Opposition MP Premila Kumar has raised concerns regarding the government’s decision to redeploy funds from the 2023-2024 budget, which has already concluded. She questioned the timing of the Cabinet’s approval for these redeployments in August, just after the financial year ended in July.
In an interview with FijiLive, Kumar pointed out that such actions reflect a troubling lack of foresight and financial management. She also criticized the Minister of Finance for failing to clarify the details surrounding the $105.2 million in over-expenditures and under-expenditures he previously redeployed in July, despite his assertions of transparency.
Kumar stated that it is crucial for Hon. Prasad to cease comparisons with the previous administration. The Coalition Government must showcase how it is positively impacting the lives of Fijians through effective financial management and by fulfilling its commitments.
She emphasized the need for the government to provide straightforward answers, take accountability for its decisions, and ensure that public funds benefit the populace rather than masking inefficiencies and mismanagement. Kumar remarked that the Minister of Finance’s comments on the fund redeployment appear to be defensive, avoiding legitimate concerns instead of offering clear responses.
“The Opposition’s role is to ensure that the government maintains strict expenditure control, transparency, and good governance,” she stated. Kumar asserted that the situation is not about personal conflicts but about accountability and the effective use of public funds for the benefit of all Fijians.
Moreover, Kumar expressed discontent with the Minister’s tendency to evade pressing issues by referencing past administrations. She mentioned that the primary concern is not exceeding the overall budget approved by Parliament; had that been the case, an Appropriation Bill should have been submitted.
Kumar also highlighted the troubling under-expenditure within various ministries. She pointed out that failure to utilize allocated funding indicates a failure to execute planned initiatives, which adversely affects Fijians. For instance, despite a $4.1 million allocation, no progress has been made on rural electrification projects. Additionally, only 39 percent of the $12 million budgeted for essential hospital equipment has been utilized, and the Ministry of Education managed to use only 11 to 20 percent of the funds meant for upgrading schools, staff quarters, and boarding facilities. These issues raise significant doubts about the government’s dedication to fulfilling its vows.
Kumar commented that matters concerning teacher pay within the Ministry of Education should have been adequately addressed in the upcoming 2024-2025 budget instead of depending on reallocations from the previous financial year’s budget, a sentiment she also applied to the Fiji Police Force.