Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad has reaffirmed the Fiji government’s commitment to prioritizing health services, infrastructure, and the sugar industry. His remarks came during community visits to Balata College and Nadalei Village in Tavua, where the Minister emphasized that the National Budget is not merely a financial statement but a strategic tool to create opportunities, invest in essential services, and ensure no citizen is left behind.
Residents at the meeting expressed concerns about the current state of health services, infrastructure, and the sugar industry, urging the government to provide increased support. Professor Prasad assured the locals that their voices are being heard. He stressed the importance of face-to-face consultations to ensure that governmental policies are aligned with the real needs of the people.
The focus on these three key areas aligns with previous government engagements where similar concerns have been raised. Professor Prasad has consistently noted the emphasis on open communication and the increasing freedom Fijians feel to engage with government officials. These meetings have historically addressed issues like access to clean drinking water, rural infrastructure, and the need for improvements in healthcare and agricultural services.
The government has allocated significant resources to the Ministry of Agriculture, not only to support sugarcane farmers but also to benefit a wider range of agricultural producers, with subsidies for herbicides and pesticides being part of this initiative. Furthermore, efforts are ongoing to enhance law enforcement capabilities, reflecting the commitment to community safety amid rising concerns like illicit drug activities.
By maintaining this open dialogue through regular community meetings, the Coalition Government seeks to foster an inclusive, participative approach to national development. This ongoing engagement is positioned as a hopeful avenue towards sustainable development and improved living standards for all Fijians. Through these efforts, the government is dedicated to transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and progress.