The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development is facing significant pressure to address internal challenges and enhance service delivery. Minister Sakiasi Ditoka emphasized the importance of resolving operational inefficiencies and reinforcing accountability as the Ministry prepares its budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. He underscored that every expenditure must yield direct benefits for rural and maritime communities, aligning with government priorities.
At a two-day planning workshop in Nadi, where officers from all divisions convened, Ditoka highlighted recent audit findings that revealed notable shortcomings in procurement, reporting, and internal controls. He reaffirmed the necessity for integrity to guide operations moving forward and urged staff to approach the budget planning process with seriousness, ensuring that targets, budgets, and timelines are both realistic and transparent.
Additionally, the Ministry is finalizing a new costed operational plan and business plans for each division, that will contribute to establishing a comprehensive National Rural Development Policy. This policy aims to bolster rural community development by addressing the unique challenges faced by these populations.
These new initiatives align with ongoing efforts to strengthen the rural economy by investing in infrastructure and resources, showcasing the government’s commitment to equitable development across Fiji. The current focus on improving the mechanisms for rural growth serves not only to uplift marginalized communities but also to integrate their needs into the national development agenda effectively.
By fostering collaboration and community input, there is hope for a brighter future for rural areas in Fiji. The proactive measures taken by the Ministry signal a commitment to creating a sustainable and resilient framework for development that could lead to meaningful improvements in the quality of life for many.
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