Tuisawau defends student debt relief, warns against Opposition policies

The Government’s Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) debt relief programme is easing the financial burden on young Fijians.

Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services Ro Filipe Tuisawau responded to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s opening address in Parliament, questioning why Opposition members had opposed the initiative designed to assist students.

“The programme is meant to help youths manage their education debt and move forward financially. My question is, why oppose helping our youths?” Mr Tuisawau said.

He added that while the Government has worked to relieve these debts, the Opposition continues to resist such efforts.

Mr Tuisawau warned that if the Opposition returned to Government, young people would once again face heavy debt burdens. “They will bring back debts to the youths and continue to burden them,” he said.

He also addressed criticism regarding the Government’s efforts to manage the cost of living, noting that several initiatives are already in place.

Highlighting progress in the energy sector, Mr Tuisawau cited the endorsement of the National Energy Policy 2023-2024, which sets targets to ensure electricity access for every Fijian by 2026 and achieve 100 per cent renewable electricity generation.

He said an additional $40 million investment has supported the installation of about 1,000 solar systems, providing clean and reliable electricity to around 5,000 Fijians.

The Government has also committed roughly $10 million for 29 new grid extension schemes, expected to benefit about 951 homes nationwide.

A further $2.5 million has been allocated for solar home systems to expand electricity access in rural communities.

The Rural Electrification Fund is also encouraging private investment in renewable energy, backed by a $91 million funding agreement supported by the United Nations Development Programme.

Additionally, the LAKARO project has secured US$2.5 million from New Zealand to upgrade solar systems in Lakeba, Kadavu, and Lautoka.

The project, which will reduce reliance on diesel fuel, is expected to be completed within the next two months.

He noted that the energy sector continues to face operational challenges, including global supply chain disruptions and difficulties accessing materials, which have affected project implementation.

On infrastructure development, Mr Tuisawau said the Government is revitalising the Public Works Department by building depots across the country and strengthening technical capacity.

This includes a $12.6 million grant from the Government of Japan to procure heavy machinery.

He also mentioned that the Architects Registration Bill has been advanced to modernise professional standards and governance in the architectural sector, alongside work on a new building code.

Meanwhile, Mr Tuisawau criticised a proposal by Independent Member of Parliament Ketan Lal to extend nightclub operating hours until 5am, calling it irrelevant given existing social issues affecting youths.

“There are already issues with youths such as HIV and drugs. Reopening nightclubs until 5am will worsen the situation,” he said.