The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs is currently facing significant funding challenges that hinder its ability to effectively support community programs and heritage projects. All revenue generated by the Ministry is allocated to the government’s consolidated fund, which restricts financial flexibility. Acting Deputy Secretary Paula Tuione shared these concerns during a submission to the Standing Committee on Social Affairs regarding the Ministry’s 2022–2023 Annual Reports.
Despite these limitations, Tuione emphasized the Ministry’s collaboration with the iTaukei Trust Fund, which has financed critical initiatives including the Worldwide Leadership Program and the Great Council of Chiefs. This partnership underscores the importance of community support, as Assistant Minister for Sports Aliki Bia called for the Ministry to have direct access to the trust fund, which could better assist provincial councils and vital cultural institutions.
Tuione acknowledged that while financial constraints are present, the Ministry has been able to allocate funding towards empowering important leadership roles such as Turaga ni Koro and Matanitikina, alongside support for institutions like the Fiji Museum and the Fiji Arts Council. Moreover, he highlighted that ongoing policy reforms, particularly updates to the iTaukei Land Trust Board and the Village Improvement Scheme, are enhancing governance and the management of landowner benefits.
In addition, infrastructure projects such as GIS mapping and land demarcation are improving service delivery and data management, which are crucial for the effective oversight of community needs. The Ministry is optimistic that despite the current budgetary restrictions, collaborative efforts with the iTaukei Trust Fund and legislative reforms will facilitate progress in the coming years.
These developments, coupled with previous reports indicating a significant increase in funding aimed at uplifting the iTaukei community, reflect the government’s commitment to advance education, cultural preservation, and economic development. Such initiatives represent a positive trajectory for the iTaukei people, offering hope for an empowered and self-sufficient community. The focus on modernization and governance reform will undoubtedly fortify efforts to foster stronger iTaukei identity while supporting future aspirations.
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