GOVERNMENT will begin a series of consultations with the private sector and general public to obtain data for the framework of a five-year development plan.
Acting Prime Minister and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said prior to the first coup in 1987, five-year development plans were the norm.
“The development plan is good in terms of setting out what the game plan is — or how we’re going to take the country forward,” he said.
“We will look at the infrastructure needs going forward like the provision of water, electricity and roads for different parts of the country.”
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said the formulation of the development plan would not be done in isolation by the Government.
“It is very critical to get the public’s input.
“There may be certain things that a person in the Department of National Planning in Suva may be having a view but it’s good to get the view of the people in Sigatoka, for example.
“They may have a particular view of the potential of Sigatoka.
“If we get out to these areas, we then may be able to develop a plan that will be able to better capture the people’s aspirations.”
“We also need a long-term projected plan on where we want to see Fiji in 20 year’s time.
“We have a very young population base and they have different needs and different demands.”
The acting PM said the five-year development should be unveiled in time for the National Budget announcement later this year.
