SODELPA MP, Anare Jale says the Eastern Division has the highest rate of poverty amongst the 4 divisions in Fiji and has asked what is in the budget to address this problem.
He says the division consists of 3 maritime provinces and Rotuma.
He says the shipping services have been disrupted and the efforts to bring about safe, reliable and affordable shipping services to the maritime provinces have been affected by runaway inflation and a rise in fuel costs.
Jale says the rural to urban drift is a common concern for the Eastern Division as villages are now vacant as people have left for urban centres in search of better life.
He questions why the Government has failed to address this problem and suggests immediate assistance to support Fijians in the Eastern Division.
The SODELPA MP says the Government can implement a 50% subsidy on boat and airfare.
He also suggests a 50% freight subsidy on cargo for the first 20kg of fish brought from the islands to Suva.
Jale further says that the Government should pay a $500 per year hardship allowance to each Fijian living permanently in the islands.
