THE Government must deliver a balanced fiscal plan that prioritises critical infrastructure, supports grassroots economy, provides immediate relief to households, and exercises strong fiscal responsibility.
These were the comments of Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NNCCI) president Suresh Naidu who said targeted interventions in the Nadroga Navosa province would not only drive regional resilience but would also stimulate national economic growth.
“Water security remains a fundamental challenge for both residential communities and local commerce in Sigatoka,” Mr Naidu said.
He said the Government needed to allocate specific capital expenditure in the 2026–2027 budget for a comprehensive upgrade of the Sigatoka Water Treatment Plant and its aging reticulation network.
“Persistent disruptions stall business operations, particularly in our vital tourism and service sectors. A robust upgrade is overdue to ensure a clean, reliable, and consistent water supply that matches the growth of the Western Division.”
The lack of formal support for small-scale and unestablished farmers in Nadroga is also a long-standing issue.
Mr Naidu said they expected to see budgetary assistance for farmers who lacked the capital to mechanise or scale up their operations.
“We are calling for accessible grant frameworks, subsidised farming inputs, and specialised training programs. Elevating these grassroots farmers into the formal commercial sector is vital for localised wealth creation and national food security.”
Mr Naidu said the ongoing pressure of inflation and global economic shifts continued to strain the purchasing power of ordinary Fijians.
“The Chamber anticipates a budget that includes meaningful cost of living relief whether through targeted subsidies on essential goods, a review of duties on basic commodities, or direct welfare support for low-income families.”
He also called for aggressive government cost-cutting measures in this fiscal cycle.
“Redirecting funds from non-essential State operational costs toward capital projects will create the fiscal space needed to fund infrastructure and relief programs without elevating national debt.”
Mr Naidu said businesses and communities in the province were adaptive but would need an enabling environment to thrive.
