Govt should consider work for cash programs in agriculture and fisheries sector – Ratu Naiqama

SODELPA MP Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu says the government should consider work for cash programs in the agriculture and fisheries sector.

While making his contribution to the 2020/2021 National Budget debate, Ratu Naiqama says he believes that these are the two sectors that will provide short term and long term employment opportunities to support our export of primary commodities and manufactured goods.

Ratu Naiqama also says that cash for work program can provide basic needs.

He adds they should be directing their collective efforts in ensuring focus on food security, and health facilities in better position to address the possibility of a likely second wave.

Ratu Naiqama says there are a number of expenditure proposals in the budget that will not help the most vulnerable and allow the ordinary Fijians to put food on the table.

Ratu Naiqama further says they should focus on short term measures that will put food on the table and at the same time look at how they can develop Fiji’s natural resources.

He also says that the government should support the small and micro businesses in the rural areas.

He has also claimed in parliament that investment in the country has continued to decline in the past 8 years because there is a lack of confidence in the private sector.

Ratu Naiqama says this is due to inconsistencies of policies and micromanagement of all facets of socio-economic development of the nation.

Ratu Naiqama adds it is unrealistic to compare us with Singapore, Australia and New Zealand and other developed nations and we should compare ourselves with countries of a similar size, capacity and the vulnerability index.