Spending more on capital expenditure now will mean future generations will be spared the need to build roads, bridges.

This has been a major focus of the FijiFirst Government.

This was obvious when a comparison was done between where this Government was spending its money and where the Laisenia Qarase-led Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua Party Government was spending its money in 2004.

The difference is that in 2004 and prior to that, a major chunk of Government spending was on operating expenses- running the Government, paying salaries, paying for Government lodgings of Ministers, paying for telephone bills, paying for electricity bills, paying for overseas travel. A very small percentage was spent on building for the future.

The argument that future generations will need to repay the loans taken now runs hollow. Every citizen has a responsibility towards their country. Being patriotic does not just mean donning the white and blue T-Shirt every time our rugby sevens boys take the field. Paying for services we all receive is expected and no country in the world works without taxes.

However, we are fortunate our taxes are amongst some of the lowest in the world.

A look at where the money was going and where it is going now:

Edited by Naisa Koroi

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj