Equitable Infrastructure: A Promise for Fiji’s Future?

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, has announced that the upcoming 2025-2026 National Budget will prioritize equitable infrastructure development across all communities. This commitment was made during the National Budget Consultation held at the Labasa Chamber of Commerce, where local citizens voiced their pressing concerns relating to deteriorating rural roads, irregular electricity supply close to power lines, and challenges around land tenure.

Participants of the consultation highlighted that some rural roads have been neglected for over ten years, impeding transport and access to essential services. Concerns were also raised about the lack of electricity in certain villages, despite their proximity to existing power lines, which continues to be a significant barrier to development. Additionally, attendees discussed the need for long-term lease agreements to provide stability on land tenure issues, which is crucial for agricultural and community development.

Professor Prasad assured attendees that their feedback would significantly influence the forthcoming budget, aligning with the government’s commitment to address infrastructure needs comprehensively. This public engagement is a part of a broader initiative that reinforces the importance of community input in national policy-making. In previous consultations, similar themes surfaced regarding the development of essential services and infrastructure, highlighting a growing recognition of the need to respond to the public’s desires for improvements in living conditions.

In this context, the consultations emphasize a hopeful outlook for citizens, suggesting that their contributions can lead to meaningful changes in their communities. The government appears eager to foster a collaborative approach to budgeting, suggesting that the incorporation of public feedback could pave the way for enhanced infrastructure and improved living standards for all Fijians as they look forward to the budget’s presentation in Parliament scheduled for June 27.