We are looking at what we can do because we need to ensure that the budget is always on track - Sayed-Khaiyum

Acting Prime Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has told members of the Ovalau community in Levuka that they are looking at how government revenue has been affected, what changes they can do and what areas of expenditure they may need to expand or reduce because they need to ensure that the budget is always on track.

Sayed-Khaiyum made the comments during the budget consultation in Levuka.

He also outlined initiatives introduced by the government to keep the economy and Fijian businesses afloat during the pandemic.

Sayed-Khaiyum says these included more than $500 million in financial assistance disbursed to those in the formal and informal sectors, maintaining full pay for all civil servants, the Fiji Development Bank $200 million COVID-19 Recovery Credit Guarantee Scheme, Fiji Recovery Rebate Package and the COVID-19 Engagement of Private Medical General Practitioners Scheme.

During the session, Levuka Town Council Special Administrator, Ben Naidu highlighted that this was the first formal budget consultation for the island of Ovalau.

Consultations for the Revised Budget are underway, with the announcement to take place at 7.30pm on March 24th.