Fiji’s Ministry of Finance recently addressed the ongoing challenges related to project implementation during a Standing Committee submission, emphasizing that the primary issue stems from project readiness rather than financial limitations. Permanent Secretary for Finance, Shiri Gounder, pointed out that inadequate planning has led to numerous projects being delayed and pushed into the following financial year.
Gounder noted that many agencies are submitting projects that are not sufficiently prepared for implementation, resulting in a failure to utilize the allocated funds effectively. He highlighted the historical context, referring to the 2018-2019 financial year, which saw a notably low budget utilization rate and delays in executing critical infrastructure projects.
Head of Budget, Ratu Nemia Dawai, underscored the necessity for agencies to enhance their project delivery capabilities and adjust their work plans to complete projects within the allocated timeframe. The Ministry of Finance advocates improving project management skills among agencies to address these persistent issues.
These concerns echo recent discussions in Parliament where independent MP Jone Usamate criticized the sluggish pace of project execution, leading to unspent budgets, which undermines public trust and hinders economic growth. He urged the government to prioritize effective fund utilization as both a responsibility and an expectation from the public.
The introduction of a monitoring and evaluation unit within the Ministry of Finance aims to enhance scrutiny over budget usage across all ministries, ensuring that funds are allocated efficiently and utilized appropriately.
In light of these developments, there is hope for progress. By focusing on better planning and project management skills, the government can potentially enhance the execution of vital projects and reinforce public confidence in their ability to deliver services that improve the quality of life for citizens.
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