SUVA (Pacnews) — The leader of Fiji’s United General Party has asked the European Union to withhold aid money of nearly $10 million for the new Rewa Bridge until the government settles all compensation claims for the site.
Mick Beddoes says this applies in particular to the Methodist Church’s claim for $2.9 million for land to be used for the approach to the bridge, which has been valued at $69,000.
Beddoes said if the church’s claim is serious, then it is simply a shameful attempt to defraud people by using its influence to get money for nothing.
He said if anything, the church should be donating the land to the state in appreciation for the hundreds of thousands of dollars given to the church by successive governments and for the long-term benefit of the residents of Nausori.
