Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has urged the Government to provide clarifications regarding the unspent $246 million from the national budget. Highlighting accountability and transparency as critical elements of governance, Seruiratu emphasized that Parliament must be informed about the reasons behind the underutilization of funds, especially as national budgets are legislated by lawmakers.
“Should there be portions of the budget not used by the end of the financial year, it is essential that this House is made aware of the reasons, and adjustments in governance processes should be discussed to prevent such occurrences in the future,” Seruiratu stated. He pointed out that if the underutilization resulted from poor leadership, corrective measures must be instituted.
To address these issues, he proposed the formation of a Parliamentary Select Committee focused on monitoring budget usage. This committee could play a key role in enhancing government efficiency by ensuring that funds are effectively allocated and utilized. Seruiratu reiterated his previous call for accountability agencies, like the Office of the Auditor General and the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, to report directly to Parliament to strengthen the democratic process.
Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad responded by saying that there is still time for budget execution within the current financial year and that quarterly expenditure reports are being provided. He acknowledged Seruiratu’s concerns, noting that budget utilization can fluctuate due to various unforeseen challenges like weather impacts or external factors that may delay project initiation and completion.
This ongoing discussion reflects a growing scrutiny of government financial management, especially as similar statements have been made by other independent Members of Parliament, including Jone Usamate. He has also highlighted inefficiencies in project implementations and underspent budgets, suggesting that the slow pace of ministry functions directly affects citizens’ quality of life.
It is essential for the government to demonstrate how it plans to address these budgetary concerns. As these discussions unfold, they may lead to improved practices in public finance management that could enhance trust and efficacy in government operations. Building a more efficient governance framework is crucial not only for fulfilling current commitments but also for shaping a more accountable future for Fiji’s public service delivery.
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