Dear Editor, I would like the CEO of TTV (To Tatou Vai) to retract his statement printed in the Cook Islands News on Wednesday 10th July pertaining to MOA (Ministry of Agriculture) not responding to TTV for a meeting.

When TTV were set to implement the smart water meters trial project in Nikao and the Matavera area, we held two meetings at MOA and my staff accompanied TTV on a site visit and identified farming areas and farmers who planted in Nikao and Matavera. MOA also agreed to call and host a meeting with our farmers at our office to inform them of TTV plans for water meter installation, but we would take the direction from TTV when to do so. Later, TTV informed MOA their focus on the smart meter project would remain in Pokoinu area and would continue towards town and would not include Matavera at the time.

Since the installation of the smart water meters at Nikao, MOA has not had any feedback nor contact from TTV on the data collected or results of that project pertaining to our farmers in the area. How can MOA inform our farmers if we are not provided the information to do so? 

The CEO should speak to his staff first before claiming MOA is not responsive. Further, we are now advised that there is a Tariff report completed by TTV. 

MOA has not been informed nor contacted by TTV to advise of the Tariff report nor a request for a meeting with the farmers.

I and my Ministry, remain committed to assist any agency on any matters that may impact the farming community. We just need to be communicated to so we can plan appropriately.

Kia Orana e Kia Manuia.

Temarama Anguna- Kamana

Secretary

Ministry of Agriculture

Editor’s note – To Tatou Vai was offered a right of reply opportunity on Monday.