Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has encouraged Fijians to hold the Government accountable for not meeting their commitments and to report any lack of development using the iTaukei administration channels.
While addressing the Kadavu Provincial Council meeting in Suva on Tuesday, Rabuka highlighted the Government’s efforts to tackle communication issues in various parts of the country.
Rabuka pointed out that rural development initiatives are ongoing, with some villages relocated due to climate change and others planned for future relocation.
He addressed the lack of cellular networks in many areas of Kadavu, assuring that the Government is working to resolve these issues, which are also prevalent in maritime islands and remote provinces on the two main islands.
Rabuka discussed the 2024-2025 fiscal year budget allocations, noting that the underutilization of capital allocations by many ministries has slowed the progress of development projects.
He mentioned that the Fiji Development Bank (FDB) has restructured its operations to align with the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs’ plans, revitalizing the Indigenous Business Council. This initiative is expected to help iTaukei businesses grow, supported by FDB’s interest-free loans for the first three years.
The Prime Minister urged the people of Kadavu to use the meeting to discuss broader issues beyond local administration.
Rabuka emphasized the Ministry of Trade’s commitment to supporting Micro, Medium, and Small Enterprises (MSMEs). He encouraged active participation in Government economic empowerment initiatives, including the Rural and Outer Island Development Program (ROI).