Seruiratu Lauds Budget Assistance

The Leader of Opposition, Inia Seruiratu has lauded the social welfare assistance allocation in the 2024-2025 National Budget, but said more attention could had been rendered to infrastructure development.

Reflecting on the budget, Mr Seruiratu said despite his expectations of the budget, it was positive to note that social sectors within Government had been given the much-needed monetary assistance.

The monthly allowance for pensioners under the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection has increased from $125 to $150 per month in this budget forecast.

The ministry has also specifically allocated $171.3 million for Social Protection and $80,000 for the establishment of the Department of Children.

“I acknowledge the assistance, particularly social welfare assistance in terms of increased salaries for civil service and the continuation of development activities,” Mr Seruiratu said.

“Particularly in the social sectors, education, health and infrastructure. I expected a lot of infrastructure development and growing the economy.”

The Ministry of Public Works has been allocated $721.4 million which includes $259.4m for Water Authority of Fiji and $354.8m for Fiji Roads Authority.

Mr Seruiratu said the Opposition would comment on the budget after going through the budget booklet.

“That will be subject for us going through the budget book and the specifics,” he said.

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