Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has addressed the growing financial pressures on households stemming from the rising cost of living, particularly defending the recent increase in electricity tariffs during his New Year’s address. He acknowledged that this adjustment has understandably caused concern among families grappling with soaring living expenses.
In his speech, Rabuka emphasized the necessity of raising electricity tariffs to ensure the long-term stability, reliability, and expansion of Fiji’s national power supply. He stated, “These decisions were not taken lightly,” highlighting the importance of a stable energy sector for driving economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing national resilience.
The Prime Minister elaborated that these tariff changes are aimed at attracting investment into renewable energy sources and improving rural electrification, which are essential for meeting the future energy demands of Fiji.
To help mitigate the impact of rising costs, Rabuka spotlighted the government’s initiative promoting backyard agriculture and small-scale farming. He is encouraging families, schools, and communities to grow their own food as a practical way to lower daily expenditures. By bolstering food security at the household level, he believes families can reduce their dependency on imported products and keep more financial resources within their local economies.
“Every backyard garden helps ease the cost of living,” he stated, underscoring the significance of community resilience in tough economic times.
Regarded as timely remarks, Rabuka’s address reflects both an understanding of the immediate financial challenges facing many Fijians and a strategic vision for the future. The government’s efforts to promote self-sufficiency and enhance community engagement in agriculture offers a hopeful outlook for families as they navigate through these trying periods.