AN allocation of $50,000 made to the Fiji Navy maritime surveillance centre operations under the 2019-2020 National Budget was scrutinised in Parliament earlier this evening.
Opposition MP Pio Tikoduadua proposed that the allocation was increased considering the vast area that such operations covered.
“I think we should increase the allocation to another $50,000 because they play an important role in search and rescue operations,” Mr Tikoduadua said.
“I am quite impressed with a minimum allocation that was made in the last financial year, the commander navy did all he could to ensure they carry out their role and get technology and apps sorted in real time for maritime surveillance.”
He said the Fiji Navy needed the additional funding to enable them to get in more resources to build the centre.
Opposition Leader Sitiveni Rabuka said the centre should be working with local airlines and international counterparts on the protection of Fiji’s EEZ and to enhance maritime surveillance.
In response, Minister for Defence Inia Seruiratu said such operations were precise.
He said they had maintained engagement with local airlines and neighbouring countries such as Australia and New Zealand in maritime surveillance.
