Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has declared the Coalition Government’s budget for the 2024/2025 fiscal year as a “People’s Budget,” highlighting numerous benefits and concessions for Fijians.
In his budget response, Rabuka mentioned that there had been significant calls for a people-focused budget. He emphasized that every section of the new budget is dedicated to enhancing the welfare, betterment of families, services improvement, poverty reduction, prosperity opportunities, environmental protection, and overcoming various challenges.
Rabuka acknowledged that while the budget language can be official and statistical, its core aim is to enhance the quality of life in Fiji, enabling people to achieve greater happiness and prosperity.
“The Government’s responsibility is to lay the groundwork for the people to create a healthy, happy, and prosperous life for themselves,” said Rabuka. He added, “As the saying goes, ‘You can take horses to the water, but you cannot make them drink.’”
He recounted an instance where a Nadroga village sought government help with farming implements as they transitioned from sugarcane to food crop farming. When presenting the implements, the late Dr. Kuruisaqila advised the villagers not to expect the Prime Minister or local chiefs to do their planting, clearing, and harvesting tasks.
Rabuka also highlighted budget elements aimed at reducing public costs, noting that raw budget figures often mask the broader human impact. For instance, the electricity subsidies initiative allocates $10 million, benefiting 55,000 households, or approximately $181.80 per household.
“The benefits will be widely felt,” Rabuka said. “Similarly, the free water project for about 40,000 households will impact numerous individuals.”
He pointed out that the Social Welfare budget saw a significant increase to $200 million last year and continues at that level in the new budget, providing relief to approximately 100,000 people.
“There are many other examples of financial support aimed at easing daily living for those in need,” Rabuka added.
He also mentioned that the new National Development Plan (NDP), dubbed “the People’s Plan,” will chart Fiji’s course for the next five years. It complements future budgets and involved consultations with around 20,000 citizens before drafting.