THE proposed 23-member Senate must be weighed against the financial struggles of ordinary Fijians who rely on their land and fishing grounds to survive, said Savusavu resident Judy Cakacaka.
Speaking during the Parliamentary Special Committee’s public consultation on the Constitution Amendment Bill 2026 in Savusavu last Saturday, she questioned whether the country could afford the proposed Senate while communities continued to struggle with inadequate basic services.
She said some villages in Cakaudrove remained without reliable water supplies, while Savusavu town faced sewage infrastructure problems and water disruptions during heavy rain.
Ms Cakacaka said electricity supply was also intermittent, raising concerns about the delivery of essential services to communities.
“Think about it, 78 people on high salaries (55 in Parliament), when people here be lucky to earn a few thousand dollars a year, and they depend on the qoliqoli (fishing grounds) you’re talking about,” she said.
She argued that access to housing, sanitation, education and healthcare should be protected under the Constitution, with the Government responsible for ensuring these services reached the people.
“We don’t care who’s in government. Give people those rights.”
Ms Cakacaka said the provision of basic services should not depend on which political party held power, but remain a priority for every administration.
She urged the Government to focus on infrastructure development while safeguarding land, marine resources and the environment.
