Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo says he is happy with the ministry’s budget allocation saying it would enable them to deliver the effective administration and regulation of the land and mineral sector.
Mr Vosarogo said that drove the ministry’s obligation to ensure that land was available for livelihood needs; that there was access to safe and clean drinking water; and that a conducive regulatory environment was in place for business development and growth.
The ministry was allocated a total of $30.1million in the 2023-2024 Budget.
“The allocated budget for the 2023–2024 financial year will support the Department of Lands in its work towards enhancing Fiji’s Geodetic Datum system. This will boost the work of surveyors in delivering key activities such as the survey of mahogany plantations and the proper demarcation of land boundaries under the Schedule A project,” the Minister said in a statement in response to the budget announcement.
He said the ministry, through the Land Use Unit, would continue to coordinate the implementation of Government’s land reform initiatives with the overall aim of creating a more fair and secure leasing environment for both tenants and landowners.
“To ensure consistency and reliability of processes and procedures, the allocated budget will enable the ministry to pursue its commitment towards the digitisation of lease records and, using in-house skills and resources, to continue its work on the development of a lease administration digital platform that is user friendly, efficient and cost-effective.
“The Department of Mineral Resources oversees and facilitates the development of Fiji’s mineral, rock and groundwater resources.
“The allocated budget will boost the department to undertake new initiatives such as carrying out a baseline survey of potential river aggregate sites. This initiative will greatly assist the ministry with volumetric assessments to identify potential river gravel sites and the amount of resource available in Fiji.”
Mr Vosarogo said the budget would also cater for the purchase of laboratory equipment and consumables that would allow the department to continue to offer geochemical analytical services on soil, rocks, sediments, and water.
“Further, the budget will support the purchase of a research vessel that will be used for all mineral explorations and geological mapping within Fiji waters, as well as coastal assessments and surveys for vulnerable communities directly affected by sea level rise.
“The budget will also facilitate the continuous provision of reticulated boreholes to communities in the rural and maritime areas to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water, improved sanitisation facilities and better hygiene.
“The budget will assist us in sustainably regulating the mining and quarrying sector. The ministry will continue to promote mining investment growth and equitable economic activity.”
