A pressing need exists to close the inequality gap and address poverty, with over half of the population affected.
During the launch of the National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050 at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica emphasized the importance of providing necessary support to all citizens to help mitigate these issues.
“I must confront these challenges with urgency,” Kamikamica stated.
The Deputy Prime Minister referenced the latest income survey from the Asian Development Bank conducted between 2019 and 2020, revealing that approximately 29.9 percent of the population, equating to 258,053 individuals, live below the poverty line of less than $86.10 per month, while an additional 200,000 people are experiencing financial hardship.
He pointed out that these numbers likely increased due to the impacts of COVID-19 and the rising cost of living driven by inflation over the last four years.
“This indicates that more than 52 percent of our population faces disparities and inequalities,” he added, noting that this statistic has also been confirmed by the widely recognized Household and Income Survey.
Kamikamica stressed that rebuilding the nation and fostering unity would be challenging while over half of the populace struggles for survival.
He affirmed the government’s commitment to tackling these issues in the short- and medium-term, urging the need for innovative solutions rather than continuing with traditional approaches.
“Urgent action is required to revamp our national budget to address the inequality and escalating poverty,” he stated.
“Improvements have been made in housing standards, the economy is growing sustainably, basic infrastructure has been upgraded, and villages now have enhanced access to education, health services, and improved road networks.”
The National Development Plan 2025-2029, along with Vision 2050, aims to empower the people of Fiji through unity.
To support this vision, the plan outlines a range of policies and strategies focused on three key pillars: economic resilience, people empowerment, and good governance.
The overarching goal of the National Development Plan is to increase prosperity nationwide, reduce poverty, and enhance the social and economic wellbeing of all citizens.