A new cabinet minister for Local Government, Urban Development Housing and Environment will be sworn in this morning.

Permanent Secretary for Information and government spokesperson, Lt. Col Neumi Leweni said Colonel Samuela Saumatua will be sworn in by acting President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau at the government house at 9am.

Leweni said Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama recommended the appointment of Saumatua in recognition of the need to continue in earnest the Government's reform programmes and especially to raise the level and quality of service to the public.