Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced the formation of a Whole-of-Government Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Unit within his office, a decision that was approved by the Cabinet on June 3, 2025. This initiative is in direct response to the public’s increasing call for accountability and measurable outcomes in governance.
Rabuka stated that the MEL Unit is designed to operationalize the priorities laid out in the National Development Plan (2025–2029) and Vision 2050. He described it as a critical tool for tracking government progress, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring transparency. “This ensures policies deliver real impact and empower citizens,” he explained. The MEL framework will not only monitor resource allocation but also assess the outcomes and impacts of government spending to guarantee that taxpayer funds yield public value.
One of the notable features of the MEL Unit is its requirement for all permanent secretaries to align their contracts with National Development Plan targets, encouraging ministries to harmonize their strategic plans, budgets, and reporting processes. This coordination will facilitate real-time updates through a national performance dashboard, which will bolster Cabinet oversight.
Describing the MEL Unit as the “nerve center” of his government, Rabuka highlighted its role in harmonizing efforts across various ministries, thereby eliminating redundancy and enhancing accountability. This initiative is seen as a crucial step towards fostering a more effective and responsive government that addresses the needs of the Fijian people.
In light of ongoing discussions surrounding his recent cabinet appointments, which aimed to enhance government efficiency by redistributing responsibilities, this newly announced MEL Unit may inject a fresh perspective into governance. By prioritizing accountability and measurable results, Rabuka’s administration appears committed to improving public services and addressing the pressing concerns of citizens, ultimately aiming for a more trusted and functioning government.
This development not only demonstrates a proactive governance approach but also holds the potential to significantly enhance the administration’s effectiveness as it works towards aligning its operations more closely with the expectations of the Fijian populace. The hope is that through this systematic effort, the government can build stronger relationships with citizens and better serve their needs as they look toward the future.
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