Village headmen (turaga ni koro) can look forward to next week’s Budget announcement, says the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

Speaking at a talanoa session in Saqani, Cakaudrove, yesterday, Mr Bainimarama said there would be an increment in their pay in the 2017/2018 Budget.

He said there were a lot of discussions and issues about the village headmen’s pay which the Government was looking into.

However, he said with this new pay came a criteria.

He said all village leaders would need to submit monthly reports to the Rokos and district officers and commissioners in order to be paid.

He said their performance was the main priority and monthly reports are essential.

Turaga ni Koro Nayarabale Lote Turaga said he was really happy because the work they did in a village setting was sometimes difficult.

Mr Turaga said one of the difficulties village leaders found was the lack of supportive villagers.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback: losirene.lacanivalu@fijisun.com.fj