Opposition MP Premila Kumar has raised concerns regarding the government’s intention to reallocate funds from the 2023-2024 budget, especially after the financial year has concluded. She expressed confusion over the Cabinet’s approval of these redeployments in August when the fiscal year officially ended in July.
Kumar spoke to FijiLive about what she perceives as a concerning lack of foresight and inadequate financial management from the government. She criticized the Minister of Finance for failing to provide clarity on the $105.2 million in over-expenditures and under-expenditures he had previously redeployed in July, despite his assertions of operating with transparency.
Kumar stated, “It is time for Hon. Prasad to stop comparing himself to the previous administration. The Coalition Government must show how it is effectively improving the lives of Fijians through responsible financial management and by fulfilling its promises.” She emphasized the need for the government to offer clear explanations, accept responsibility for its actions, and ensure that public funds are utilized for the people rather than to obscure mismanagement.
Moreover, she claimed that the Minister of Finance’s remarks regarding the fund redeployment are defensive and divert attention from valid concerns instead of providing clear answers. Kumar reiterated that the Opposition’s role is to ensure the government maintains strict budget controls, transparency, and good governance.
She clarified that her critique is not aimed at personal attacks but rather accountability, stressing that public funds must be used efficiently for the benefit of all Fijians. Kumar is particularly frustrated by the Minister’s avoidance of fundamental issues by referencing the actions of previous governments.
Highlighting specific concerns, Kumar pointed out that under-expenditure is also a significant issue. When government ministries fail to utilize allocated funds, it reflects poorly on their execution of planned initiatives, impacting citizens directly. For instance, she noted that despite an allocation of $4.1 million for rural electrification projects, no progress has been made. Furthermore, only 39 percent of the $12 million budgeted for essential hospital equipment has been spent, and the Ministry of Education utilized just 11 to 20 percent of funds designated for upgrading schools and facilities.
Kumar concluded that issues such as teacher pay within the Ministry of Education should have been properly addressed in the upcoming 2024-2025 budget, rather than relying on funds reallocated from the previous financial year.