Labasa residents shared urgent infrastructure needs during the recent 2025-2026 National Budget Consultation held at the Labasa Chamber of Commerce. Community members highlighted several critical issues, including the deterioration of rural roads, which have been neglected for over a decade. Some residents living near power lines are still without a stable electricity supply, further complicating their daily lives.
Land tenure challenges also emerged as a focal point for attendees, with many tenants calling for increased governmental assistance to secure long-term leases essential for rural development.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, who led the consultation, reassured participants that their concerns would be taken seriously in the upcoming budget planning process. He committed to equitable development and promised that infrastructure needs across all communities would be prioritized.
This consultation is part of a broader initiative aimed at gathering public feedback ahead of the national budget presentation in Parliament later this year. Previous consultations, as highlighted in similar events, have also emphasized the importance of addressing infrastructure issues and ensuring that public needs are met effectively.
The government’s ongoing engagement reinforces a hopeful vision for a collaborative budget-making process where citizen voices will directly influence future policy decisions. As community members continue to speak out on essential issues like infrastructure upgrades, there is optimism that their contributions can lead to meaningful improvements in their living conditions and overall community development.
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