Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka confirms the $18 million that would have been used for the Local Government Elections in September will now be used to alleviate the weight of the other social costs of the people.
While responding to questions by fijivillage News following a national address on whether that money will be used to provide assistance to Energy Fiji Limited and bus companies who have asked for an increase in fare, Rabuka says it could be.
He says the Ministers and the Minister for Finance will discuss this in their next meeting.
INSERT: PM on reallocation rk 21 may
Rabuka, who is expected to meet EFL today to discuss their proposal for a 11 cents surcharge, says they are trying to avoid it at all costs and make it as comfortable as possible to alleviate the impact of all the things but it is beyond their control.
He further says that Labasa and Nabouwalu fuel supply has been restored to optimum levels, and others have also been done.
The Prime Minister says the government will continue to do so until it is no longer possible, after which it will have to resort to what has been suggested.
Rabuka says the Government will have to be very prudent in making that decision, and he is glad the FCCC is willing to negotiate with government.
He adds that in the past they always said that they are independent.
The Prime Minister also confirms that it is very likely that a mini-budget for August until December, will be announced next month.
He says we are in good shape to complete this budget cycle, but with some reallocation.
Rabuka adds that the government will try to alleviate the cost of living burden where it can, up to the end of this budget, and will make those allowances as it considers allocations for the next budget.
