It is our responsibility to ensure that this planning exercise leads to meaningful outcomes and tangible results that reflect improved living standards of our rural and maritime populace, reduction in poverty, enhanced sustainable growth and resilience of rural economies.
This was highlighted by Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Sakiasi Ditoka while addressing more than 100 staff members of the Ministry at their annual Planning Workshop.
Ditoka set out his expectations to staff members of the Ministry saying he expects to see a faster rate of budget implementation and improved productivity and service delivery to rural and maritime citizens.
He says he understands that their budget utilisation has been reaching 90% in recent years, but this is mostly reached at the end of the financial year.
Ditoka says while this rate may be commendable, it does not gauge their efficiency in achieving.
He further says they need to try and change this and prove to the people of this nation that they are worthy of the taxes the people pay annually.
The Minister also reminded the participants that the Planning Workshop has provided a platform on which they would deliver the services expected of them by utilising the increased budgetary allocation efficiently and effectively in the coming financial year.
The Ministry’s Planning Workshop also provides a platform for staff members of the Ministry to come together and reflect on achievements, analyse strengths and setbacks, identify opportunities, re-strategise and re-align to the Ministry’s strategic direction, and set goals and targets for the new financial year.
Ditoka also acknowledged the support of the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP)and the Governance for Resilient Development in the Pacific Project for their support, and unwavering commitment to the Ministry’s mission, especially in the implementation of risk-informed development.
