FCOSS hopes budget addresses drug crisis, infrastructure and workers' concerns

As people wait for the 2024/2025 National Budget announcement tomorrow morning, the Fiji Council of Social Services is hoping for a budget that will prioritise addressing the issues and challenges of the people and building infrastructure.

FCOSS Executive Director Vani Catanasiga says there are concerns around safety and protection particularly related to fighting the rising drug epidemic such as equipping law enforcers and preparing for the fallout.

She says we must ensure that there are support systems for those who are recovering from drug addiction and some coherence in the way some agencies respond to the issues of fighting against drugs.

Catanasiga says there are also issues of access and infrastructure such as roads, jetties and bridges which are important for accessibility, particularly for the elderly who feel neglected.

When questioned on the Minimum Wage Rate, the Executive Director says the Government has to prioritise addressing workers' concerns.

The Executive Director also stated that their petition against the increase of the salaries of the Members of Parliament which was scheduled to be delivered tomorrow will be handed over later as they are still collecting signatures around the country.

She says they are also awaiting the response from the unions. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad will deliver the 2024/2025 National Budget at 10am tomorrow.