Ro Filipe raises concern over 7% unutilised Ministry budget

Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau says his Ministry’s unutilised budget of 7 percent is a concern and he is urging all Heads of Departments to utilise allocations in the 2025-2026 National Budget judiciously, ensuring that all planned activities are executed efficiently and effectively.

Ro Filipe says $30 million is with statutory authorities, especially the Water Authority of Fiji and Fiji Roads Authority , which are rolled over for ongoing projects and commitments.

He says the balance includes works done by Public Works Department and other departments for other Ministries and charged to those Ministries.

The Minister says the ongoing PWD reform will resolve this.

Ro Filipe says part of the balance includes unreleased funds, so the actual unutilised amount by the Ministry is approximately $9 million which is due to various reasons including circumstances beyond their control such as weather and others including inefficiencies or blockages within.

He commended the Fiji Government, through the Ministry of Finance, for the increase in the 2025/2026 budget which demonstrates continued support and confidence in the Ministry.

The Minister says the proposed budget allocation stands at $800 million for the next financial year, representing an increase of $79 million, or 11 percent, compared to this financial year 2024/2025.

Ro Filipe says they must start now with documentation and other requirements and not wait for actual fund disbursements.

He says that it is equally important to uphold principles of good governance, ensure timely delivery, and maintain high standards of quality in all outputs.

Ro Filipe adds execution and delivery on the ground is critical to not only enhance infrastructure development but also ensure effective and efficient services to the people, having real impact in improving the quality of life on a daily basis for all citizens.