The Prime Minister's Office has today stressed that the government has the responsibility to provide appropriate housing to the Prime Minister, and the maintenance works being carried out at his residence is being blown out of proportion by the media and politicians.

Permanent Secretary Parmesh Chand said the claims of major repairs being carried out at the Chief Justice's residence are also misleading.

Chand said in the present instance, the Prime Minister, being also the Commander of the RFMF, Commodore Frank Bainimarama continues to reside in the Commander's residence at Ratu Sukuna Road.

He said it is that residence which is in urgent need of repairs, particularly its roof which leaks during heavy rain.

Chand also revealed that the repairs will be undertaken by the PWD as part of their budgeted routine maintenance programme.

The PM's Office said while the repairs are being undertaken, it is not possible for the Interim Prime Minister to continue to reside in that residence.

Chand said as the CJ's residence is vacant and current Chief Justice Anthony Gates does not require the residence, the government felt that it would be most cost effective if the Prime Minister is temporarily relocated to that residence.