The 2009 National Budget stands at 1.715 billion dollars compared to 1.2 billion dollars this year. Bainimarama said the increase in the budget is necessary to bring about incentives and provide assistance to businesses and those who are less fortunate.
The 2009 budget is pro growth and pro poor according to Commodore Bainimarama.
For the first time ever, a formalised monitoring system will be put in place to ensure that capital projects are completed. Commodore Bainimarama said they will emphasise the timely implementation of capital projects. In that regard, Bainimarama will shortly convene a capital projects workshop for senior servants in key agencies to ensure a satisfactory state of project readiness so that projects can start in January next year.
A number of road projects will also commence soon according to Commodore Bainimarama.
He said the interim government has also allocated funds to complete the Rotuma airstrip to facilitate the landing of ATR 42's and the upgrade of Matuku airstrip.
For the first time ever, the government has also come out with a concrete plan for Fiji's mahogany industry working on a government and landowner partnership.
Meanwhile, a new education initiative announced by the Interim Government will offer some relief for the poorest of the poor families who are facing extreme difficulties in paying for their children's school fees.
The Education Budget is $271 million in 2009.
FIT's operating grant has been given $9 million, which is an increase of $1 million from this year, USP's Operating grant has been given $38.05 million, an increase of over $2million.
University of Fiji allocated $2 million which is $200,000 more from this year.
FIT's Capital grant allocated $6 million for Nadi School of Tourism and Hospitality.
Health Ministries Budget will increase from $139 million to $158.3 million.
Tourism Industry has received a significant budget of 23.5 million.
The budget for Urban and regional water supply has been increased from $56 million to $61 million.
The budget for military (RFMF) has been increased from $81.5 to $94.3 million. Police also had a increase in their budget allocation from $72.8m to $76.38m.
Budget Stands At $1.7515B
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