There is an urgent call to address the growing inequality gap and alleviate poverty, as over half of the population is reportedly affected. Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica emphasized this need during the launch of the National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050 at the Grand Pacific Hotel.
Mr. Kamikamica remarked on the urgency of tackling these challenges directly. According to a recent income survey conducted by the Asian Development Bank covering 2019 to 2020, approximately 29.9% of the population, translating to about 258,053 people, live below the poverty line of less than $86.10 per month, with an additional 200,000 individuals experiencing hardship. He noted that these numbers have likely surged due to the impacts of COVID-19 and rising living costs over the past four years driven by inflation.
He highlighted that more than 52% of the population is affected by disparity and inequality, a conclusion supported by the recognized Household and Income Survey. Mr. Kamikamica stressed that it is challenging to rebuild the nation and promote unity when such a significant portion of the population is struggling to get by.
He stated the government’s commitment to confronting these issues in the short and medium term, advocating for innovative solutions to bridge the inequality gap. He called for a refreshed national budget that urgently addresses both inequality and worsening poverty.
On a positive note, he mentioned improvements in housing standards, sustainable economic growth, upgraded basic infrastructure, and enhanced access to education and health facilities in villages.
The National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050 aims to empower the people of Fiji through unity. It outlines a series of policies and strategies centered on economic resilience, people empowerment, and good governance to lay the foundation for the envisioned goals. The overarching aim of the NDP is to promote prosperity, reduce poverty, and enhance the social and economic well-being of the populace.