The planned withdrawal of USAID funding under the Trump administration is expected to significantly affect Fiji’s rural development programs.
Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure Ro Filipe Tuisawau confirmed that the reduction in external assistance will have consequences, particularly for projects that do not directly target basic community needs.
While specific details on the funding cuts remain unclear, the Prime Minister has already raised the issue with the United States government as part of ongoing discussions.
Ro Filipe explained that the US administration appears to be shifting its focus away from initiatives perceived as not directly benefiting people at the grassroots level.
He noted that programs addressing essential needs – such as water supply in rural areas – are being treated separately from other initiatives, a distinction that offers some reassurance for critical services.
“With that withdrawal, it would definitely have an impact, and we have to step up as a government in terms of plugging that gap,” Ro Filipe said.
“So, some of those programs they have already identified.
“They are separating those programs away from, for example, basic needs such as water, rural water.
“And I believe that they will look at that in a positive manner.”
With water, especially in rural communities, recognised as a basic need, the minister emphasised that Fiji will not resort to measures such as imposing tariffs on these services to offset lost revenue.
As the Government continues to assess the full impact of the withdrawal, officials, including Ro Filipe are reviewing strategies to realign funding structures.
