THE Government’s allocation for the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services increased by $21million with an allocation of $821million in the 2026–2027 National Budget.
Government’s transport and infrastructure strategy remains on track despite concerns over a possible reduction in roads funding, with officials maintaining that current planning measures and existing allocations are still sufficient to address growing traffic congestion.
The Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services has been allocated $821million in the 2026–2027 National Budget, forming the backbone of Government’s infrastructure and transport programme, including road maintenance, renewals, bridges, rural connectivity and urban congestion projects.
Responding to concerns, Assistant Minister for Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services Naisa Tuinaceva said the current funding level, combined with improved planning, continues to support ongoing road network improvements and congestion management efforts.
“You’ve heard that they mentioned a bit about traffic congestion and what is in the plan to assist,” he said.
“My view on that is this is a good one, it’s there. There might be a slight decrease, but the money is still there to assist, and also to help in our congestion.”
He said Government had already been applying smart approaches to ease congestion challenges in urban centres, even without additional budget increases.
“I believe, we’ve already been doing that this year, not with extra budget, but with some smart kind of work that we have done, and good approaches and strategies that the government put in place, that has helped us a lot, in terms of the road congestion right now.”
Mr Tuinaceva also admitted he was not aware of utilisation figures from the previous financial year but maintained confidence in the overall direction of the programme.
“I am not aware of the number, but it’s a good one.”
He said ongoing road upgrades and urban planning initiatives would continue to support congestion relief efforts across major centres.
The $821million allocation will also support major works under the Fiji Roads Authority, routine maintenance programs, bridge renewals, rural road sealing, as well as targeted upgrades aimed at easing congestion in key urban corridors such as Suva, Nadi and Lautoka.
