Parliament has convened today, kicking off a crucial session that features a full agenda, including ministerial statements, oral questions, and the presentation of significant reports pertaining to national priorities such as infrastructure, education, and transport.
The session is set to begin with the unveiling of the “Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji Annual Report 2024”. Following this, several ministerial statements are anticipated, where government officials will outline their current priorities and provide updates on key policies. A number of oral questions have been submitted by Members of Parliament (MPs), addressing a variety of pressing issues, such as rural development and digital governance.
An important inquiry will be made by Vijay Nath, who is expected to seek updates on the construction of new evacuation centers from the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management. This inquiry is particularly relevant as Fiji prepares for the approaching cyclone season, highlighting the critical need for emergency preparedness.
In a wider context, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is prepared to respond to several inquiries regarding cybercrime initiatives aligned with the United Nations Convention, ongoing challenges faced by Fiji’s e-ticketing system, and developments in international trade relations, particularly focusing on the World Trade Organization’s Fisheries Subsidies Agreement.
Additionally, Premila Kumar will inquire about the number of civil servants currently under suspension and the financial implications of their salaries and benefits from 2023 to 2025. Other MPs will voice concerns about public infrastructure, specifically road repairs along the Nasinu–Nausori corridor and the plans for extending the electricity grid from Dreketi to Nasarowaqa in Vanua Levu.
In the afternoon, parliamentary discussions will include debates on several motions, addressing consolidated review reports from the Fiji Roads Authority, Land Transport Authority, and the Fiji Higher Education Commission.
This session of Parliament serves as a vital opportunity for transparency and accountability in governance, promising constructive dialogue on national issues that directly affect the populace. The engagement and active collaboration among lawmakers underline a commitment to innovative solutions and public service improvements. With these discussions, there is optimism that positive strides will be made toward addressing critical challenges facing the nation, fostering hope for a more progressive future for Fiji.