Budget backs groundwater projects, land reforms despite lower Lands allocation

The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources will drill and develop 88 groundwater sites and investigate 111 more across Fiji in the next financial year as part of a major push to improve access to safe drinking water under the 2026-2027 National Budget.

Despite its allocation falling to $37.1 million, the ministry will continue key land reform programmes, modernise land administration and review major legislation governing State land and mineral resources.

Of the total allocation, $28.8 million has been set aside for operating costs, including staff salaries, wages, maintenance, operations and other services, while $8.3 million will fund capital projects.

The Budget also provides funding to review the State Lands Act 1945, Land Use Act 2010, Mining Act 1965 and Quarries Act 1939 to improve transparency, accountability and the sustainable management of land and mineral resources.

The ministry will continue surveying mahogany plantations, with Sawakasa in Tailevu and Baravi in Nadroga identified for surveying this financial year as part of a programme to survey six plantations by 2029.

It will also advance land reform initiatives, including the Freehold Buy-Back Scheme, while accelerating the digitisation of lease administration and State land records to improve public access to services.

Funding has also been allocated for the use of a research vessel to undertake offshore geological mapping, mineral surveys, coastal assessments and geohazard monitoring, while supporting sustainable mining investment and strengthening climate resilience.

Office of the Prime Minister

The Office of the Prime Minister has received $9.7 million, up from more than $8 million in the previous Budget.

The allocation includes $7.17 million for operating expenditure, covering staff salaries, wages, travel, communications, maintenance, operations, goods and services, and grants and transfers.

A further $2.5 million has been allocated for capital expenditure to support the Prime Minister's role in coordinating Government policy, Cabinet decisions and national development priorities.

The funding will also support community development projects, particularly in rural and maritime communities, administer development funds for the Rotuma and Rabi Councils, Melanesian vasu-iTaukei, and Kioa Island communities, and provide retirement allowances and statutory benefits for former Members of Parliament, former Prime Ministers and former Presidents.