With rural communities across Fiji continuing to face growing pressure for basic infrastructure, the Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Ministry is pushing for more funding to meet rising demand on the ground as the 2026–2027 National Budget is set to be announced this Friday.
Minister Mosese Bulitavu said additional allocation was needed to support essential rural works, including housing, evacuation centres, access roads, footpaths, foot crossings, footbridges and farm roads.
“We are requesting for an increase given the demand from rural communities,” he said.
“Plus, other projects that falls under our ambit, we are requesting for increase so we can push more rural development that’s already in our master system.”
He said the scope of work under the ministry continued to expand, much of it driven by community needs and self-help initiatives.
He added that while the ministry is hoping for more funding, it remained focused on delivering its current programs and ongoing projects.
“But whatever comes, we will be happy given that we are on plan with whatever we’re doing and the various projects that are currently ongoing and those that roll over to the new financial year.”
Mr Bulitavu said existing and rolled-over projects would continue into the new financial year under its current development plan.
