Fiji’s national budget timing has raised concerns about its impact on disaster response and social assistance, as highlighted by Vani Catanasiga, the Executive Director of the Fiji Council of Social Services. Since the budget was adjusted following Cyclone Winston in 2016 to align with international partners such as Australia and New Zealand, Catanasiga argues that the financial calendar now clashes with the cyclone season, which spans from November to April.
This misalignment can lead to significant delays in aid and support for affected communities, with families often left in temporary shelters while they wait for assistance. Catanasiga recalled her experiences during previous cyclones, noting that many communities were still awaiting government support long after the emergencies had passed.
She emphasized that the root of the issue lies not in a lack of funding, but rather in the management and distribution of those funds. While she acknowledges the difficulties of reverting to a January–December budget without substantial updates to existing accounting systems and staff training, she insists that immediate action is necessary to prioritize the swift disbursement of aid.
Catanasiga advocates for a more people-centric approach in managing finances, urging that the focus should be on ensuring assistance reaches communities in need without unnecessary bureaucratic delays. Her call for reform highlights an important opportunity for Fiji to enhance its disaster response efforts and better serve its citizens in times of crisis.
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