Unity Fiji Party Leader and former Governor of the Reserve of Bank of Fiji, Savenaca Narube has raised concerns about some of the costs he sees within the National Economic Summit budget that the government could have done without.
Narube says he is very concerned about the cost, not for the summit itself but some of the components of the cost that he sees there which reportedly include $15,000 on a cocktail and $18,700 on kalavata.
He says the government could have done without the cost of the kalavata and the cocktail.
Narube says the government needs to be sensitive to the plight of the people that are struggling to find something to eat in a day.
However he is thankful to the government for being transparent in revealing the cost of the summit.
We have asked Professor Prasad about the kalavata and cocktail. He is yet to respond.
The National Economic Summit will be held at the Grand Pacific Hotel next Thursday and Friday.
Thursday 13/04/2023
FijiFirst MP, Ketan Lal and Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Biman Prasad
Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Biman Prasad says the $360,000 allocated for the National Economic Summit is the total budgeted amount and that does not mean all will be spent however FijiFirst MP, Ketan Lal says it is disheartening to see that the ‘tripod government’ is spending $360,000 of taxpayers' money on an economic summit while claiming that where is the money.
When questioned by fijivillage News on the concerns raised regarding the $360,000 allocation, Professor Prasad says yes, they did promise that consultation and government meetings on a regular basis will be cost effective and not necessarily be held in expensive places.
However he says this summit is a big and major event.
Professor Prasad says the logistics of large numbers and the way in which the summit is planned with plenary and break out groups can’t be held in schools and smaller venues.
He says they explored the possibility of the Vodafone Arena, university premises but judging from the response and the request for attendance, they had to limit the number to 500.
Professor Prasad says in fact, they can’t accommodate many more who want to attend.
He says they are actually surprised at the response but they understand that after 16 years, people feel so free to speak and participate.
Professor Prasad says they understand and appreciate the criticisms and they have listened to the various views on the expenditure.
He says that is why they are transparent with the disclosure of the budget and in future, they will always be open and transparent about any expenditure big or small.
The Deputy Prime Minister says they will also explore cheaper options wherever possible for future consultations and it will not necessarily be this big.
He says they are confident that the outcome will be very useful for government in pursuing our development agenda.
However Ketan Lal says it is concerning to note that a significant portion of this money, namely $32,700 for venue hire and $115,000 for catering, could be easily avoided by utilizing the state-of-the-art lecture theatre and culinary facilities available at Fiji National University which are funded by the Fijian Government.
Lal says the government's inadequate planning and failure to consider more cost-effective options is a clear indication of their disregard for the taxpayers' hard-earned money.
The FijiFirst MP says utilizing the facilities at FNU will not only save a significant amount of money, but it will also provide many benefits.
He says for instance, the university has business students and lecturers who can contribute to the summit, which will enhance the quality and effectiveness of the discussions.
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