he Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ total budget for 2022-2023 is $94.1 million, says Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
“This is an increase of $8 million from the revised 2021-2022 budget,” he said.
He said $5 million was allocated to “correctly align the lodging allowance and service allowance to the current basic salary of 2396 RFMF officers.”
“At the moment, these officers, unfortunately, are being paid allowances based on the 2013 basic pay, so it is essential to realign this.”
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said $50.8 million was for peacekeeping operations, an increase of $5.5 million from the revised 2021-2022 budget.
He said officers deployed for peacekeeping operations were also paid allowances based on their 2013 basic pay rate – $800,000 was provided to realign the lodging and service allowances for 543 peacekeeping officers on the current pay, $3.5 million to meet salaries and allowances of the peacekeeping officers.
He said additionally, $3 million was allocated for training and equipment, which would b e reimbursed by the United Nations.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said $400,000 was for remote location allowance for engineers engaged to build and maintain rural projects such as the Rotuma Hospital, Kadavu footbridge, Lakeba suspension bridge and Bua Lomanikoro footbridge.
He also said $2.3 million was allocated for the renovation upgrade of RFMF infrastructure, construction of a new warehouse at QEB, upgrade of logistics support unit complex, upgrade of Sukunaivalu Barracks in Labasa and the upgrade of Nadi Camp.
