Bainimarama pleased
5-Feb-2010 08:03 AM

Prime Minister and Minister for the Public Service, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama is impressed with the progress made by the Government Information Referral Centre (GIRC).

Touring the Centre which was the former Fiji Visitors Bureau building located at the busy corner of Thompson and Scotts Street today, PM Bainimarama was pleased at the manner in which staff handled queries and complaints from members of the public and governments various stakeholders.

He noted that some members of the public did not know how to reach various ministries and departments or were either unaware of the various services that were provided by government and its agencies and that GIRC has adequately filled this vacuum.

The Permanent Secretary for the Public Service Mr Parmesh Chand thanked PM Bainimarama for his vision and consideration in ensuring that such a facility was created to service and enhance the provision of information on public services to ordinary members of the public.

“Prime Minister, your visit to the Government Information Referral Centre speaks volumes of your commitment to the public in ensuring efficiency in public service delivery," Mr Chand said.

“Moreover, the Centre is of special significance since it is the face of government, where the public can have their queries answered and referred to.”

In presenting the additional services provided by the Centre, Department Head , Mrs Susan Baleikanacea said 94 per cent of queries and complaints have been answered too, while the remaining 6 percent are being followed up for last year.

“We place immense priority on our customers that either come to us or call the Centre and usually the time differs because their needs are different and sometimes we can deal with one for a minute and the other for an hour or so.”

PM Bainimarama noted that initially questions on land issues were one of the most sought after areas however with measures put in place to assist the public on such queries there has been a decline on questions referring to land.

“The whole idea is to provide service to the people,” Prime Minister Bainimarama said.

The Government Information and Referral Centre was officially opened by the Prime Minister in July 2009. It was established to enable members of the public to have easy access to information about the full range of services offered by the state. It is the key source of integrated information that brings service and people together each day.

To date it has served and handled more than 1000 enquiries.

Credit: Public Service Commission

Caption 1. PM greeted by PSC Chairman Mr Josefa Serulagilagi and Permanent Secretary for the Public Service Mr Parmesh Chand