Residents of Lautoka today got an opportunity to give their ideas and views for the 2016 National Budget.
While some members of the public suggested the government to concentrate more on the existing sectors such as health and education, others want government to explore new ventures to bring about stability in the economy.
Following successful consultations for the 2016 National Budget in Suva this week, it was time for the residents of Lautoka to tell the government what they want in next year’s budget.
A locally based exploration company, Akura Limited said Fiji has the potential of extracting oil right here and this should be reflected in the National Budget.
“In order for Fiji to become self sustaining in the world, government needs to think out the box and work out some incentives for oil exploration in Fiji. Its achievable”
Mark Vitlin of Empower Pacific suggested more attention should be given to the health sector especially the non government organisations involved in addressing health issues.
“We think the NGOs that provide services free of charge should be able to reclaim VAT they have paid or get a VAT exemption.”
Finance Minister Aiyaz Sayed- Khaiyum said these are the valuable inputs the government is expecting from people during the consultations.
Sayed- Khaiyum said submissions on further modernizing the education sector have also been made.
“There have been also submissions received by mail saying whilst we are giving $125 per child in primary schools, we need to distinguish between special schools and mainstream schools because funding for special school is lot more”
The Ministry however expects more people to turn up and give their valuable inputs.
“Sometimes people need to also understand how the budget process works. SO this is also a way of informing them. What happens some of the submission may not be considered in next year’s budget but maybe considered after that. This is also part of the National Development Plan”.
The next consultations of 2016 national budget will be held in Labasa next week.