The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management is anticipating an increase in its budgetary allocation to facilitate rural development and disaster rehabilitation programs.
Permanent secretary Isoa Talemaibua said they were anticipating an increase mainly in capital expenditure to boost their services within the rural and maritime regions.
“We have submitted a request to assist rural dwellers in terms of infrastructure development, grooming livelihoods and food security,” said Mr Talemaibua.
“We are also prioritising our disaster space in terms of rehabilitation and reconstruction programs.”
Mr Taleimaibua said people should also expect a continuation of capital work programs in the upcoming fiscal year.
These include the ministry’s self-help programs, rural housing assistance, sea subsidy, community access roads, footpaths, and footbridges, rural and outer islands development programs, and public sector investment program.
“The message is that Government is focused on assisting the development of infrastructure in the rural and maritime regions.”
The ministry was allocated a total of $29.1million in the 2023–2024 national budget.
