An allocation of $25 million has been set for this in the 2018-2019 National Budget.

A total of 105,049 students will benefit from the Government’s bus fare scheme, which received an allocation of $25 million in the 2018-2019 National Budget.

This was confirmed by the Attorney-General and Minister for Education Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum while responding to questions by SODELPA Opposition MP, Mikaele Leawere in Parliament on Wednesday.

Mr Leawere said the allocation last year for the bus fare scheme was $20 million.

The total budget allocation for the ministry was $535.4 million.

In 2017, 97,644 students were assisted. Out of that number 65,376 were primary school students, 31,195 secondary school students and 1073 tertiary students.

For the construction of Wash, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities with an allocation of $1.3 million, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said they would be built in rural and maritime areas. With this new allocation Government is looking to build WASH facilities in 17 schools around the country.

Meanwhile, a motion from National Federation Party Opposition MP, Prem Singh, to add another $2 million to the $1.35 million allocated to the grant for special needs was defeated. In response, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said the allocation was enough to cater for students with special needs.

Edited by Epineri Vula

Feedback: arieta.vakasukawaqa@fijisun.com.fj