Government should focus its efforts on discussing with Fiji’s lenders for possible debt review and moratorium – Rabuka

The Leader of the Opposition, Sitiveni Rabuka says the government should focus its effort on discussing with Fiji’s lenders for possible debt review and moratorium rather than wasting time on Trans-Tasman and Bula Bubble knowing too well that the borders will remain closed for a while.

While giving his response to the 2020/2021 National Budget, Rabuka says they would at least divert $700 million to $800 million to priority areas to help those that have lost their jobs through “work for cash programs” which has been used extensively when unemployment increases.

Rabuka says a whopping $1.6 billion is under requisition to incur expenditure adding this is a clear indication that one man is controlling all the funds and not the responsible agencies.

He has questioned in Parliament whether they really need to construct a new office for the Prime Minister when there are people in the country going hungry.

Rabuka says the timing is not right.

$7 million has been allocated for the construction of the new Prime Minister’s Office. The allocation is based on requisition.

Rabuka also told parliament that the allocation for government vehicles continues to increase and is now at $29 million. This is also under requisition.

He adds it is time they streamlined this expenditure.