Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697762401343.pdf (Fiji)
PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI BUDGET BRIEFINGS 2018 Budget 2018─2019 Head No.

18: Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development Background The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development is responsible for implementing development strategies that bring Fijians living in rural and maritime regions the same level of access to essential services and economic opportunity that is enjoyed elsewhere in Fiji.
The Ministry targets rural and maritime communities with specifically-catered development strategies to generate economic growth and improve living standards, and also provides hands-on support services to these communities to improve their wellbeing.

Trends In 2018-2019, total Ministry expenditure will amount to an estimated $21.7 million.

This is comprised of $11.2 million for operating expenditure and $9.5 million for capital expenditure.
This represents an increase of 29.7 per cent ($4.9 million) on 2017-2018 expenditure and is attributed to: • An increase in operating expenditure ($305,000); and • An increase in capital expenditure of $4.2 million to continue existing projects and to commence new ones.

The following graphs show funding trends over the past five financial years.
Ministry of Rural & Maritime Development expenditure by type, 2014-2015 to 2018-2019 n o i l l i m $ 40.0 35.0 30.0 25.0 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0 4.4% 53.2% 42.4% 6.3% 20.4% 73.3% 2.9% 32.8% 64.3% 3.2% 31.9% 64.9% ↑29.7% change 2017–18 to 2018–19 4.5% 43.9% 51.6% Actual Expenditure 2014/15 Actual Expenditure 2015/16 Actual Expenditure 2016/17 Estimate 2017/18 Estimate 2018/19 Operating Capital VAT Enquiries: research@parliament.gov.fj 1 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI BUDGET BRIEFINGS 2018 Ministry of Rural & Maritime Development total expenditure, 2014-2015 to 2018- 2019 37.3 23.0 21.7 14.0 16.7 n o i l l i m $ 40.0 35.0 30.0 25.0 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0 Actual Expenditure 2014/15 Actual Expenditure 2015/16 Actual Expenditure 2016/17 Estimate 2017/18 Estimate 2018/19 Budget announcements and allocations The following section highlights some of the new budget announcements and allocations for the Ministry in 2018-2019.
Government stations The Budget allocates $2.8 million to complete the construction of Vunidawa, Wainikoro, Kubulau and Wainua Government stations, and $1.7 million to commence construction of the district office and quarters for the Kavala and Vanuabalavu Government stations.

An additional $400,000 has been provided to carry out civil, fencing and landscaping works for the construction of new assistant district offices at the Namarai and Korolevu Government Stations.
Water Carting Increases water supply to remote rural and maritime areas by carting water during prolonged drought periods ($500,000).

Community Access Roads, Footpaths and Footbridges Improves community access to the main transportation network, markets and essential services.
These access roads are not the rural roads used by public transport that are being upgraded by the Fiji Roads Authority; they are smaller access roads connecting rural communities, including farmers, to Fiji’s main centres ($2.0 million).

Grant to Self-Help Funds community projects that support socioeconomic development in rural and maritime areas, namely water and sanitation projects, walkways, agriculture and fisheries projects and the provision of outboard and inboard engines ($1.5 million).
Enquiries: research@parliament.gov.fj 2 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI BUDGET BRIEFINGS 2018 Sources • Fijian Government (2018) Budget estimates 2018–2019, Ministry of Economy, 28 June 2018.

[Hard copy.]

• Fijian Government (2018) Your Government at Work- General Administration sector: 2018- 2019 Budget Kit.

[Hard copy.]

July 2018 DISCLAIMER - This information is provided to Members of Parliament in support of their parliamentary duties.
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Enquiries: research@parliament.gov.fj 3