Staffing water treatment plants is becoming a pivotal focus in the upcoming 2025–2026 national budget, according to Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau. A notable allocation of $38 million is aimed at tackling the high turnover rate among technical roles within these facilities.
In an effort to enhance personnel retention and improve service delivery, a Job Evaluation Exercise is currently being conducted. Tuisawau underscored the importance of infrastructural enhancement, with a significant portion of $31.7 million designated for the Fiji Roads Authority’s Capital Access Program. This funding will facilitate 28.6 kilometers of road upgrades in the Western Division, with additional roadwork projects in Tailevu South, the Rewa Delta, the Eastern Division with 8.5 kilometers planned, and 45 kilometers in Northern regions.
Moreover, there is an additional allocation of $3 million aimed at general road enhancements, including upgrades to the Vunikura Jetty. The Public Works Department is slated to receive $4.5 million targeted at improving rural road infrastructures.
Recognizing the need for energy efficiency, $8.8 million is devoted to expanding solar home systems and maintaining existing systems in rural areas. Tuisawau also announced the creation of the Resource Owners Development Fund, which will ensure that landowners gain direct benefits from national infrastructure enhancements. This fund will prioritize compensation for land use, energy connections, essential roadwork, and community infrastructure, such as village halls.
To ease the financial burden on maritime areas, $300,000 has been set aside to subsidize freight for housing materials. Additionally, a $3 million grant has been secured for the repair of crucial floodgates and weirs in Tailevu South and Rewa, aimed at mitigating flood risks in these regions.
In a key initiative, thousands of residents in Suva can expect improvements in water quality with the installation of a new Coanda Screen at the Savura Dam. These efforts are seen as expansions of two significant ongoing water projects: the Princess Road Infrastructure Project and the Tamavua Water Supplementary Treatment Plant, designed to effectively end prolonged water disruptions in Suva and Lami.
These budgetary measures reflect a proactive approach by the government in addressing both immediate needs and long-term sustainability in Fiji. There is optimism that these initiatives will lead to more reliable infrastructure and enhanced quality of life for residents, aligning with the vision for sustainable development and community resilience amidst ongoing challenges.
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