Total Expenditure for 2017/2018 National Budget - $4.357B

The Total Expenditure for the 2017/2018 National Budget is $4.357 billion while the Total Revenue is $3.85 billion.

A new Ministry of Waterways will be established and the Prime Minister will soon appoint the new Minister.

Sayed-Khaiyum says the government will tackle head on the issue of flooding in Nadi.

The cost is $385 million over three years to widen and rehabilitate the Nadi River.

There are plans to access funds from the Green Climate Fund to assist in this project.

Sayed-Khaiyum highlights that some businesses did not provide reduced VAT and duties to the consumers.

He gave examples where duties were removed on baby products and cereals last year and no amount was reduced because there is only one supplier and they did not reduce the price.

Sayed-Khaiyum says those in monopolistic positions cannot dictate prices.

A special unit in FRCA will be set up, and the Commerce Commission will also look into this.

He also highlighted that one supermarket chain has been fined 53 million dollars for tax evasion.

5 new Legal Aid Commission offices will be opened - Kadavu, Rotuma, Keiyasi, Seaqaqa and Vunidawa.