Motion to increase Turaga-ni-Koro allowance defeated in parliament

SODELPA MP Adi Litia Qionibaravi’s motion to increase Turaga-ni-Koro Allowance from $1.43 million to $2.86 million in the 2020-2021 National Budget has been defeated.

While moving the motion, Qionibaravi says Turaga-ni-Koros receive $100 monthly allowance when they all know that they work around the clock in the village.

Qionibaravi says the Turaga-ni-Koros are not receiving enough money for their work and this is a very sad situation given the official of the village has to coordinate all government and non governmental visitations and they have their own work where they coordinate other activities. She says the monthly allowance should be increased from $100 to $300.

As Qionibaravi continued to provide justification for her motion and said that Turaga-ni-Koros are getting below the minimum wage rate, Prime Minister and Minister for iTaukei Affairs Voreqe Bainimarama stated that Turaga-ni-Koros are not getting wages but an allowance.

Bainimarama also said that Turaga-ni-Koros also should not be compared with any other employee.

Another SODELPA MP, Mosese Bulitavu while supporting the motion stated that at times Turaga-ni-Koros have to provide money from their own pockets and $100 monthly allowance is not enough.

Assistant Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Selai Adimaitoga then highlighted that Turaga-ni-Koros do not work on a full-time basis.