Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has recognized the mounting pressure households face due to the rising cost of living, while defending the recent increase in electricity tariffs during his New Year’s address. He acknowledged that the adjustment has understandably raised concerns among families already dealing with higher living expenses.
In his address, Rabuka emphasized that the decision to raise electricity tariffs was essential to ensure long-term stability, reliability, and expansion of Fiji’s national power supply. “These decisions were not taken lightly,” he remarked, noting that a stable energy sector is crucial for economic growth, job creation, and national resilience.
The Prime Minister explained that the changes in tariffs are designed to foster investment in renewable energy sources and enhance rural electrification, vital for meeting future energy needs.
To help alleviate the pressures of rising costs, Rabuka highlighted the government’s initiative to promote backyard agriculture and small-scale farming. He encourages families, schools, and communities to cultivate their own food as a way to reduce daily expenses. By strengthening food security at the household level, he believes families can lessen their reliance on imported food and keep more financial resources circulating within local economies.
“Every backyard garden helps ease the cost of living,” he stated, reinforcing the importance of community resilience.
Rabuka’s remarks come at a time when electricity costs and food prices are significant concerns for many Fijians. The government aims to strike a balance between ensuring economic stability and addressing the immediate financial pressures faced by households. His efforts to encourage self-sufficiency and community engagement in agriculture offer a hopeful perspective for families navigating these challenging times.