There is significant untapped potential in rural Fiji, according to Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka. During his response to the 2024-2025 National Budget in Parliament on Monday, he highlighted the Coalition Government’s commitment to empowering rural communities that support tourism, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through the establishment of a pilot tourism MSME fund.
“Under this fund, the government will provide assistance of up to $15,000 to rural communities to help create an enabling environment,” Mr. Ditoka said.
He pointed out that youth unemployment remains a challenge, particularly in rural areas.
“The transition from education to employment remains an obstacle for many of our rural youth. We, therefore, commend the Government’s efforts in bridging this gap through the provision of a $5 million grant to the Pacific Polytech,” he noted.
“This grant will enable the institution to offer technical training, equipping our children, especially those from rural and maritime communities, with the skills and expertise needed to address Fiji’s skills shortage.”
Mr. Ditoka stated that these initiatives contribute to achieving targets associated with decent work and economic growth under SDG 8.
He also emphasized that the Rural Housing Assistance Scheme has been a core commitment of the Coalition Government since taking office.
“We are delighted that in the 2023-2024 financial year, the Ministry was able to implement more than 160 housing projects across the four Divisions. These projects included newly constructed houses, completion and extension works, and retrofitting works, directly contributing to targets associated with SDG 11 of achieving sustainable cities and communities,” he added.