THE National Fire Authority expects an increase in its budget allocation for the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year due to expanding operations and new projects.
Authority CEO Puamau Sowane said they had submitted their capital and operational budgets and were awaiting government approval.
“We believe the Government will honour the 25 per cent requirement,” he said, adding they had received the required 25 per cent in operational funding from the Government in recent years.
“I can’t say we’ve been given too little. From last financial year to this one, we’ve received the required 25 per cent operational contribution from the Government as mandated by law.”
Mr Sowane said growing demands on the authority’s services were driving costs up.
“Our operations have expanded. For instance, the new building permit application system will require system upgrades, and we’re also planning to open a new station in Natadola, possibly in November.
“These developments increase our operational costs.”
He said for the 2024 to 2025 financial year, they had received a budget of $6.1million.
