Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1694825243702.pdf (Fiji)
WEDNESDAY, 12TH JULY, 2017 The Parliament met at 9.45 a.m. pursuant to adjournment.

HONOURABLE SPEAKER took the Chair and read the Prayer.

PRESENT All Honourable Members were present, except the Honourable Minister for Fisheries, the Honourable N. Nawaikula and Honourable Ratu S.V.

Nanovo.

MINUTES HON.

LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN PARLIAMENT.- Madam Speaker, I move: That the Minutes of the sitting of Parliament held on Tuesday, 11th July, 2017 as previously circulated, be taken as read and be confirmed.
HON.

A. SUDHAKAR.- Madam Speaker, I beg to second the motion.

Question put.

Motion agreed to.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CHAIR Welcome I welcome all Honourable Members to today’s sitting.

I also welcome the students from Nadi Airport School who are here to witness the continuation of the debate on the Budget.

We met at your school in and it is great to see you here in Parliament today.

Welcome to Parliament.


And to the members of the public joining us in the gallery and those watching proceedings on television and the internet and listening to the radio, thank you for taking interest in your Parliament.
Parliament Proceedings - Live Airing Moving on with the concerns raised earlier this week by the Honourable Leader of the Opposition with respect to the live airing of the Parliamentary sittings, the Department of Communications had informed that the entire Parliament feed has been live non-stop on live stream as well as on the dedicated Parliament channel on Walesi.
For the information of the Honourable Members, the feed was on FBC, Fiji TV and the Broadcast has been lived on both channels and on Walesi Channel 6 and on live stream.

It should be noted though that the TV stations, however, switched to their other programmes during broadcast.
the 2104 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 Delay – Daily Hansard – Tuesday, 11th July, 2017 Also, for the information of the Honourable Members, the Daily Hansard Report will be delayed due to the prolonged sitting last night.

This will be circulated once the Secretariat finalises the report.

Thank you.

Consideration of Bills I have been advised that there will be no Consideration of Additional Bills today.

RESUMPTION OF DEBATE ON THE 2017-2018 APPROPRIATION BILL 2017 HON.
SPEAKER.- Parliament will now resolve into the Committee of Supply to resume the debate of the Heads of the Budget Estimates.

Committee of Supply: Head 16 – Ministry of Communications MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- The floor is now open for comments.

We are looking at Programme 1, Activity 1.

HON.

P. SINGH.- Madam Chair, Head 16, Progamme 1, Activity 1, SEG - 5 - I just need two clarifications.

Can the Honourable Minister clarify: 1.

What is Fiji In Focus for where a sum of $208,696 has been allocated; and 2.
On the same SEG, there is an allocation of $80,000 for Public Awareness - Media Relations.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- My apologies, Madam Chairperson.

I am sorry I did not hear you.

I apologise, Honourable Prem Singh.

HON.

P. SINGH.- Not a problem.

Madam Chairperson, Head 16, Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 5, I just need two clarifications: 1.

What is Fiji In Focus for which a sum of $208,696 has been allocated; and 2.
On the same SEG, there is an allocation of $80,000 for Public Awareness - Media Relations.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Minister?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Sure.

The Fiji in Focus, Madam Chairperson, is the expenditure that you have, there is a supplement that Government puts out that comes out once a week or sometimes once every fortnight in the Fiji Sun which has the Department of Information that puts out news on Government activities.
You would have seen that, it comes out on a Sunday and that is the cost of producing and publishing that.

In respect of the Public Awareness – Media Relations that again, for example, a Minister may go out and open a particular farm initiative or whatever it may be, the cost of all of that is captured over there - Public Awareness – Media Relations.

As you know also that a lot of this is good for archiving purposes.
You would have seen that Semi Koroi unfortunately passed away over a week ago, he has been hosting “Fiji - Back in Time”, you see footage from the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and all the projects that took place.

These are part and parcel of building up the Archives so we do need to carry out this particular Public Awareness – Media Relations in respect to that.

11th July, 2017 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 2106 MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Salote Radrodro?

HON.

S.V.
HON.

S.V.

RADRODRO.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

Before I could move to have an increase or decrease, may I please have a clarification on Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 7 on the Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union Meeting - $300,000 under “R” whether this meeting is going to be held here in Fiji or overseas?

Thank you, Madam Chair.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- It will be held in Fiji.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Professor Biman Prasad?

HON.

PROF. B.C.

PRASAD.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.


I appreciate the explanation for the Fiji In Focus and $80,000 Media Relations, I have no problem.

But I want to move a motion, Madam Chairperson, pursuant to Standing Order 102, I move without notice that the allocation of $1 million for Qorvis Communication is removed from Head 16, Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 5.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Do you have the amendment?

HON.

PROF. B.C.

PRASAD.- Yes.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Do you have a seconder?

HON.


P. CHAND.- Madam Chair, I second the motion.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Anare Vadei?

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

My question is on Head 16, Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 1.

The change in the salary, does that cover all the civil servants’ salary increase?

HON.
HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Madam Chairperson, as we stated earlier on in the response to the Budget by the Opposition that SEG 1 and SEG 2, all of them have incorporated the salary increases which also includes the Job Evaluation Exercise or the remuneration exercise that took place.

That is all built into that – SEGs 1 and 2, for all of them.

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- All the bands?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Everyone.

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- Okay, thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Aseri Radrodro?.

HON.
HON.

A. M. RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, I just wanted to seek clarification on this Special Production of $150,000 noting the explanation given by the Honourable Minister for the Fiji In Focus and Public Awareness.

What is this Special Production of $150,000?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- That is on SEG 5?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Again, this covers things like production of the nation’s business Back In Time, coverage of Ministerial assignments and other special videos upon request on an ad hoc basis.
In respect of the Public Awareness – Media Relations, just to give you a bit more detail that I was asked to earlier on, this also caters for the travel, airfare and per diem for Information team, News and TV Unit that travels with, for example, if record the Honourable Prime Minister going to the Oceans Conference, where His Excellency the President goes to the Middle East.

All of that Public Awareness – Media Relations, the travel for the staff that go there, the per diems is covered.
Sometimes, we get requests, so for example if a Minister may be going to Rotuma, the media whether it is any of the media outlets will request for footage.

So we then provide them with the footage because they do not necessarily want to cover the expense of going all the way to Rotuma, or for example, there may be a four-day trip to the Lau Group.

So our team goes with them and then we share that footage with them.

That is what they are catering for.

We approximate about $8,000 per tour.


Of course, it is very expensive, in particular, if they do, for example, His Excellency the President when he goes to the Middle East and meets our troops, that actually has to pay for the air travel for the staff.

We have a cameraman and we may have one reporter, their accommodation, their per diem, all of those costs come from that.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments on Activity 1 Programme 1?

HON.
HON.

P. SINGH.- Programme 1, Activity 1 SEG 6 - Contribution to Asia Pacific Institute of Broadcasting and Development ($17,000).

Does that factor in a fee?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- It is an annual subscription.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

There being no other comments.

We will move onto Honourable Ratu Kiliraki.

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- Madam Chair, SEG 5 Specialised Services – ($7,000).

I need clarification on that.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Honourable Minister.

HON.


A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- This is worth $7,000.

This caters for the web hosting fee that is paid to Datec which is about $445 a month and hygienic services which is rendered by PestKill which is $235 a month.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Salote Radrodro?

HON.

S.V.

RADRODRO.- I thank you, Madam Chair.

On Programme 1 Activity 1 SEG 5 on Qorvis Communications, we note that this is a recurring expenditure.

If we could just be explained the purpose and role.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Yes, Qorvis Communications has been addressed and we will vote on that.

Honourable Mikaele Leawere?

2108 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Still on SEG 5 - Software Maintenance Fee of $40,000.

Can we have some clarification on that?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- This is to cover for the software upgrading, purchase of software package photography, as you know we have things like photoshop and what have you.
You need to enhance images when, for example, it is taken at night, the image may not be good.

There are various software that we need to buy.

For radio, of course, the software in terms of the compilation of say, voices, et cetera, the upgrading of operating systems for the server information website re-designed on an ad hoc basis.

It is quite a number of activities there but we just allocated $40,000.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Are there any other comments on Activity 1?

Thank you.
Thank you.

We will move onto Programme 3 Activity 1.

Any comments?

Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Thank you, Madam Chair.

At SEG 8 – the Cable Connection to Vanua Levu.

I think there are two allocations there.

Can the Honourable Minister explain the difference?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Minister.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Yes, there is.

One of course is the loan component, that is, you can see it is in brackets, it is World Bank.
And the other one of course is the Cable Connection to Vanua Levu which we actually have to, of course, contribute to.

So we have already spent about $1.5 million to make the initial payments to commence the project.

This includes finalisation of loan agreement with World Bank, execution of project contract with Alcatel Submarine Network to supply the spur.

As you know, as I mentioned earlier on, this cable is coming from Samoa to Vatuwaqa and it passes between Taveuni and Savusavu in Vanua Levu.
So we are building a spur out of that to connect it and make it land on Vanua Levu.

The project will be completed by March 2018.

There are two budgetary allocations; first for the loan component involving direct payment of $12.53 million by the World Bank for the supply of the spur and project management fees; and second, another $5 million for the locally funded component for VAT and other project fees and costs.
So for example, we have had to do an EIA assessment because the cable will come and land near Savusavu.

So we have to make sure there is an EIA assessment done, we have to prepare the land, there is actually a sub-station that needs to be built, those costs are the ones that we have to pick up.

The World Bank is actually funding the building out of the spur from the main cable.

So that is why it is broken down in that way.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Prem Singh.

HON.


P. SINGH.- Just a clarification.

On Programme 3, Activity 1, SEG 7 Activity 1, the allocation of $2 million for Implementation Analogue to Digital Roadmap.

Is this the cost of consultancy or what the cost is for because in the same Programme and Activity there is in SEG 9, $8 million for Digital Television Rollout?

The total allocation for Analogue to Digital comes to around $10 million.

HON.
HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- No, the $2 million, as you know that we have already allocated some of this money previously for the Set Top Boxes.

As we have said that we are going to supply Set Top Boxes to all those people below a particular income level at $30,000.

So those Fijians who earn less than $30,000 which essentially will cover most of the people in the maritime areas et cetera, we will actually subsidise Set Top Boxes for them; you know these boxes that you get.
If you got Sky you have those Set Top Boxes equivalent to that.

The $9 million is actually the Digital Television Rollout itself.

So this is the building of towers, and also we are buying now satellite space.

This will be funded by Government to rollout the satellite space because as you know, to do terrestrial connection everywhere in Fiji is almost impossible.

It will cost us billions of dollars to do that.

So we need to have satellite connectivity.


So someone in some valley in Kadavu will also be able to pick up the Free to Air Television.

All they will need now is just a Set Top Box.

If someone is in Viti Levu, somewhere up in Navosa, they can pick it up.

So that is why we have satellite television.

This is why when we talk about Sky Television, Sky Television is driven by satellite connectivity.
So this is essentially to connect all these places, wherever in Fiji for them to be able to pick up a signal.

They will not actually have to pay a single cent in respect of getting the access to that Free to Air television.

HON.

P. SINGH.- The connectivity is free?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- That is why it is called Free to Air.

Free to Air means that the consumer does not pay a single cent.

All they have to do is have a Set Top Box.


Those people on an income level higher than $30,000 will have to buy the Set Top Box.

The Set Top Box, you can go to Courts and other places now.

They are selling it as low as $90, you can pick it up.

You have to buy the Set Top Box only once and you connect it.

HON.

MEMBER.- (Inaudible) HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Sorry?

HON.

MEMBER.- (Inaudible) HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Like with Sky.

Even if you have a digital television, you still have to have the box.
The Set Top Box is your receiver of the signal.

HON.

P. SINGH.- (Inaudible) HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- In the box only.

I suggest to those Members who do not actually have Walesi (Set Top Box), please get it and you will actually see the quality of it and what it does.

At the moment we have six channels available free to air.

The sixth one of course is the feed that you have now at the moment as we are speaking, that is the dedicated Parliamentary channel.
We have two channels that is being assigned to Fiji TV, two that has been assigned to FBC and one is MaiTV.

MaiTV had opted only to have one.

Of course, we have also plans now, some of the Ministries are talking about rolling out educational programmes because when we converted from analogue to digital television, we had the opportunity to create more channels.

We could not actually have a dedicated educational channel.
So the Ministry of Education can rollout teaching programmes and every single student in 2110 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 Fiji can tune in, even though they are in Southern Lau or whether they are in Yat Sen School in Suva or whether up in Vanua Levu, they will all get the same educational programme.

The Honourable Minister for Agriculture, of course, can also have programmes in terms of agriculture and farming techniques.

This is the beauty about digital television.


So this is why Government has taken a decision that we will roll this out to everyone free of charge and we intend to do all of these by December this year.

Already we have the Suva/Nausori corridor, we are doing tests in Nadi and Lautoka, people who bought it they can pick it up and this should be all completed.

One of the reasons, of course, we got slightly delayed was because of TC Winston.
We have actually now had to ensure that the towers that we do build now has to stand up to wind spins of cyclone category 5.

All of that is being done.

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Thank you, Madam Chair.

On Activity 1, SEG 8 – this year there is a Cable Connection to Vanua Levu (World Bank) loan ($12,537,079) whereas for last year we had a $9,160,000.

Can we have a clarification, please?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- I did not get your question, Honourable Member.

HON.
HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Last year on the same subject, we had a loan of $9,160,000.

On the same loan this year, we have a loan of $12,537,079; is it a rollover from last year?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Yes, it is because we actually have to depend on the Samoans to bring the cable.

Once it is there, when it is between Vanua Levu and Taveuni then we build out the spur.

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Total of $21 million.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- That is a rollover.


Does not rollover mean that some of the expenses that were actually has been rolled over into this year?

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Okay, thank you.

HON.

P. SINGH.- Total cost of the project?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- I cannot give you the total cost now, I can give it to you at some other stage later exactly because, of course, the project involves our component too which is the EIA assessment and the land acquisition.
We actually have to buy land to be able to get that cable to land somewhere in Savusavu.

Part of it is land acquisition too from the $5 million.

I think in this case we are actually leasing the land.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Aseri Radrodro?

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Programme 3, Activity 1, SEG 7 – there is an allocation for Support for Local Movie and Literary Production, can we get some details on this allocation of $350,000?

HON.
HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- As announced, I think in the last budget or budget before that.

This is essentially to support local movie producers and writers to increase their creativity.

We have a lot of people, for example, who write novel, they may write a story book but they do not actually have the initial funding to go and get it printed.

So we can help them.

If one of you want to write a book and you do not have the funding to publish it ….

HON.

P. SINGH.- Dr. Lal did not get it.

HON.


A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Yes, he did not actually get any money from this.

But that is what it is for - creativity, people make some short movies.

As you know the Kula Awards, the Honourable Minister for Industry and Trade’s ministry looks after the film production side (Film Fiji).

There are some very good movies produced, I recommend you see that.

Some of the schools who you never expect to make good movies actually are making good short movies.
So we do not want these people to lose their talent.

There is a young man, I forgot his name, he actually made a movie on climate change.

They won an award about three years ago but he had to raise funds on his own.

So, in fact that gave us the impetus to make some allocation, so people can apply for this.

HON.

S.D.

KARAVAKI.- I refer to SEG 7 – National Frequency Allocation Table ($60,000).
I would like to ask the Honourable Minister, is it the allocation responsible for the capacity of the frequency that is available for people to use, who want to setup a radio station, because I understand, Madam Chairperson, that many people who are coming and wanting to setup gospel station they have been told that the only one available is the AM frequency, the FM frequency has already been exhausted.
Is this a table responsible for increasing the capacity that could create some more frequency that would be used in this respect?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- This allocation is actually to undertake band planning full frequency modulation for television bands, in particular, which is $700, $800 and $1,500.

Currently Fiji does not have a national frequency table, so we are trying to get the frequency table to be put in place so we can then actually have a register.
You are right, Honourable Member, in respect of the frequency planning.

As you know, prior to the digital rollout, we actually had to do frequency planning.

So those of you who may remember, we know we had FM 96 when you used to go the Western Division then you had to change the frequency.

Now those of you who do travel by road between Suva and Lautoka, you would find that the reception is a lot better because the frequency planning has been done for that.
There is a constant requirement to make sure that the band planning is done properly, the spectrum analysis which is the expenditure before that which is $70,000; we see the spectrum analysis before that.

This, of course, is an ongoing project specifically for engineering spectrum data base which will continue till the end of 2017.

This is all part and parcel of that.

What it means is that if you plan it better than you can actually have more radio stations.
Also the other thing is, Honourable Member is that previously without the planning when someone came along and they wanted to have a radio station only for their area, people used to give them the entire national spectrum, you do not need it.

So someone, for example, may want to start a radio station only for Taveuni.

You plan the spectrum in such a way, they give him the frequency only that will relate to Taveuni.
In that way you can give out more space because you see frequency is like limited real estate, as someone said the other day in the budget debate, real estate is not growing, it is limited.

So each country is given frequency, you cannot go beyond that.

So the whole idea is to be very smart about it and manage it well so you can get as many channels as possible.

That is part and parcel of this process.

2112 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.
J. DULAKIVERATA.- Madam Chair, on Programme 3, Activity 1, SEG 7 - Implementation Analogue to Digital Roadmap ($2 million).

You had an allocation of the same amount last year, so was there anything done last year or this is a rollover?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.-Yes, it is a rollover project.

This of course includes the $2 million.

I have already answered that question.

Honourable Prem Singh has already asked that question.
This is to do again with the Digital TV rollover, you know the Set Top box I mentioned?

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- No, the Analogue to Digital Roadmap.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- As has been mentioned, it has been addressed.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- I have already addressed that.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments on this particular activity?

Honourable Ratu Kiliraki?

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- Madam Chair, SEG 6, there is a grant there - Grant to Telecommunications Authority of Fiji ($948,908).
Can you clarify that grant?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- This is an independent authority that deals with mobile phone companies and other frequencies.

They are deal with the allocation of frequencies.

So, for example, there are people who may bring in garage doors or those gates that open (automatic gates), you press the button, you drive your car in, you press the button the gate opens, they take a frequency.
The licensing and the dedication for that is done by TAF, it is an independent body that deals with that.

You have walkie talkies.

They actually take up frequency space, they give the licensing for that.

You have, for example, mobile phone companies.

They actually pay their licencing fee to TAF.

So TAF is an independent body or regulator for these types of businesses that take up telecommunication space.
They have, of course, have staff, so these are the technical staff, engineering staff which we have to pay for.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any more comments?

There being no other comments, we will move on to Programme 4, Activity 1.

Honourable Dulakiverata?

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Activity 1, SEG.

10 – National Switch, you had the same amount of allocation last year $600,000 and the same again this year.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Yes, it is a rollover.


As you know that Parliament has approved it this year - the National Switch became an Act.

We are now of course talking to all the banks, we have had several technical meetings with the banks and we hope to roll that out very soon.

So all the banks will then go through the National Switch so next time you go and withdraw your money from your ATM machine, it will go through the National Switch.
The National Switch just to refresh people’s memories, at the moment, for example, when you go and use your ATM cards, assuming I am an ANZ account holder, I can go and use my ATM card in an ANZ machine, but I also can go and use my ANZ card with the Westpac machine.

Now the only reason why they can do that is because Westpac and ANZ have a bilateral agreement.

So whenever you withdraw money from a Westpac machine, they charge you $1.50 as opposed to you because you using their machine.
So all of them bilateral agreements; ANZ, Westpac and after a period of time Colonial at that time which is now BSP actually had agreement three-way.

They did not allow Baroda and other banks to come into it because these three were the big guys.

At the moment Bred Bank and HFC are not part of this.

Recently BSP has allowed Baroda to come into it.

So, Bred Bank and HFC are not there.


So what Bred Bank and HFC have to do, they have to go and buy their own machines and then if you are a Bred Bank account holder, you can only use your card on a Bred Bank machine.

So what it means at a practical service level, your ability, if you are a Bred Bank account holder is very limited to only wherever you have Bred Bank ATM machines.

What the National Switch will do is create a centralised switching facility whereby law all the banks will have to connect.
So whenever you go to any ATM machine, you will actually be able to withdraw it without necessarily paying exorbitant fees.

What it also means is that new entrants to the market like Bred Bank and HFC do not have to have huge capital outlays to be able to provide services.

We can then, what we have, what we call generic ATM machines.

So we need more generic ATM machines.

So if you are in Korovisilou, there is a nursing station down the Queen’s Road, we can put a generic ATM machine.
All the banks will contribute towards the putting up the machine, so the cost is defrayed, so you get more electronic services out.

And this also means that people in Korovisilou, the example that I used yesterday, the person who is selling the coconuts, they can actually deposit money because now ATM machines actually accepts deposits.

So they can deposit their money, they actually become part of the mainstream financial services sector.

So that is one issue.


The other issue, of course, is that in this way we are trying to reduce the electronic cost of electronic transactions.

So we can reduce it.

One day, hopefully, we will pay only 10 cents or 20 cents for the use of this.

It can also mean that other providers that are non-mainstream financial banks they can also be part and parcel of this.

So, for example, FSC, TLTB these are the people who can also join this so you can disburse funds, makes it a lot easier.
If you see next to that, let me explain the National Switch, you got Fiji Pay.

The reason why we got Fiji Pay, at the moment the Honourable Minister for Social Welfare, Children and Poverty Alleviation, she actually deposits money into accounts of those people who are Social Welfare recipients and she uses Westpac.

Westpac charges her about 20 percent of whatever amount she disburses, they charge her 20 percent as their service fee.
When we have a Fiji Pay, Government itself will be able to issue an ATM card to all the pension holders or the Social Welfare recipients, it will act like an ATM card.

They can then go and use it at any ATM machine, they can also use it as at a POS machine which is a Point of Sale machine.

When you go to the supermarkets, you know how you buy groceries, you swipe your card, that is a Point of Sale machine.

So, these welfare recipients can also use that.


It also means that we as a Government do not actually have to pay this service fee to some outside entity, so that is part and parcel of Fiji Pay.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Dulakiverata?

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Thank you, Madam Chair.

HON.

GOVT.

MEMBER.- On your mike.

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Sorry.

SEG 5 - Licence Renewal-Ministry of Lands, what licence is that?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Sorry, please just bear with me.
2114 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- SEG 5 MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Second last allocation.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Sorry, Programme 4, Activity 1?

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Yes.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- This is for the software licences that the Ministry of Lands uses, that is just to pay for that.

It is specifically for the Ministry of Lands software that they do use.

HON.
HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Just a clarification, the Software Licences is $3,5000,000 whereas the renewal is $120,000.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Sorry say that again.

The Licence Renewal-Ministry of Lands ($120,000).

HON.

MEMBER.- That is the only one.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- That is the one you talking about?

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Yes.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- That is for that also.

That is specifically for the Ministry of Lands.


The other software licences are generic, there are a number of other software licences, for example, that we have through Microsoft and what have you, we actually have to pay an annual fee for that.

So, for example, we use Oracle Licences for BDM and Immigration Border Control, Micro Focus, SmartDraw, we have Data#3, these are all software that we use and we have to pay annual licence fees for these.
So all of them are lumped together $3.5 million but the Ministry of Lands specifically has the $120,000 one.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Mikaele Leawere?

HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Thank you, Madam Chair.

Just the Rental of TFL Lines on SEG 3 - ($1,500,000).

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- This is for rental for the data lines.

Government also transfers data and we actually have to rent the fibre optic cable.

TFL charges us money for that, we do not get it for free.
Voice over Internet Protocol, so for example, the cost of this is reduced.

Before if I had to call the Ministry of Lands, I pick up the phone, I dial the number, I pay the normal line cost.

Now, of course, we rent space so the cost of the call is actually almost 0, if not very few cents.

This is to pay for that.

This also includes the RFMF which also uses the lines, all the other agencies they use these lines for communication purposes and this for the rental of that fibre optic space on the TFL lines.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Anare Vadei?

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- Thank you, Madam Chair.

Just a general question on this Programme.

The elections is just around the corner, where do you put that IT preparation or Support Unit in this Budget?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- There is none.

Elections Office has its own budget, they do their own thing.

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- Okay.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Government does not.

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- For the IT services?

HON.


A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Government does not control anything in the Elections Office, they are an independent body.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Ratu Matanitobua?

HON.

RATU S. MATANITOBUA.- Madam Chairperson, on SEG 7 – Consultancy Payment it was $2 million last year, another $2 million this year.

Is this a rollover or?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Again this is rollover.


All of these funds do not get used necessarily, we use these services as and when required, in particular, for software development.

So they actually have to put in their expenses, we have agreed hourly rates on it so we made an allocation of $2 million, sometimes it is very much underspent depending on the development of the software.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.


Just SEG 9 - Digitisation - BDM, Companies and Titles Office ($1,000,000) last year and again $1 million.

How much has been utilized and what is the progress so far, Honourable Minister?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- It is again a rollover.

We have had actually three shifts being done.


Sorry before I forget, the Honourable Minister for Poverty Alleviation said that Westpac commission, they charge 6 percent on rural pregnant mother’s vouchers, 2 percent on poverty benefit scheme, 2 percent on CNP, 2 percent on social pension scheme and 2.1 cents per transaction.

So, if I use it ten times, I am only paying 21cents, but these of course, cost they accumulate quite substantially given the huge payment that we have just made.
The BDM, of course, is completing of the digitization as you would know Honourable Member, given your legal background, that all titles in Fiji actually have never been digitally recorded.

So, we actually have titles that are actually breaking and falling apart and it requires very specialized attention.

Sometimes we have to reconstruct the titles and then you have to digitize it.

Some of the titles are about this big physically, some of them are small titles.
We had at one stage, with the easier ones, we had about two or three shifts happening.

We hired some outsiders to actually do the digitization; so it is an ongoing project, it is a huge project.

In Fiji actually, we have been completely non-compliant for decades actually since Independence, even prior to that.

The law actually specifically states that all the titles must be kept in a fire proof area.
It was kept in Suvavou House on Level 2 where the weight of the titles was so much the floors started sinking, seriously.

That is why we moved the Titles Office from Suvavou 2116 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 House to the Ground Floor of Civic Towers, the ground floor hopefully would not sink because of the weight of the titles.

So, these are some of things we try and bring to record.
I mean, God forbid that if we actually do have a fire, prior to all of it being digitized, we will lose all those records.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

I think we have had enough discussions on this.

Honourable Aseri Radrodro you have something?

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, there is a new line item on Capital Construction of $50,000 – Disaster Recovery Site.

Is this a new construction site or what is this Disaster Recovery Site?

HON.
HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- This, Madam Chairperson, is not a construction site per se.

It is a weekly data storage volume Government has increased by 500 gigabytes, 8 terabytes today which is about 16 fold.

So the number of users have actually increased quite significantly and it underpins the importance of having a proper recovery site in the event of a natural or manmade disaster.

There is a plan to construct a $2 million spread over 2017-2018, three sites have been identified.
This is some initial assessments that will need to be done.

So, for example, we have the ITC Centre over here, the former American Embassy.

If we have a tsunami of if there is a fire, we need to have a backup site, we need to be somewhere on higher ground so this spending here is more for the initial assessment; to do the assessment of that, evaluation and then construct.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- No other comments, thank you.


We will now move onto the motion that we have on the floor and I would like to invite the Honourable Professor Biman Prasad to speak on his motion.

HON.

PROF. B.C.

PRASAD.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

I moved a similar motion last year and I recall the Honourable Minister explain why this PR firm was necessary and he talked about the need for Fiji to get publicity internationally.

That is, Madam Chairperson, understandable.


But, Madam Chairperson, I think Fiji does have a lot of international publicity, the fact that our Honourable Prime Minister is the Chairman of COP 23.

However, let me just correct the misleading or misrepresentation of what I said in Parliament.

I have never said, Madam Chairperson….

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Excuse me, can you just speak on the motion?.

HON.

PROF. B.C.

PRASAD.- No, this is in relation to the issue of publicity that….

HON.

J.V.
HON.

J.V.

BAINIMARAMA.- Speak on the motion.

MADAM CHAIRPERON.- Speak on this Qorvis Communications, please.

HON.

PROF. B.C.

PRASAD.- Yes I am talking about that.

In relation to that, Madam Chairperson, I have never opposed the Honourable Prime Minister’s presidency of COP 23.

I have supported it in Parliament.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Madam Chairperson, this is not the place ….

HON.

PROF. B.C.

PRASAD.- So, just to correct that in relation to that.
Therefore, Madam Chairperson, I do not think we need Qorvis and Qorvis itself has an international reputation of working in Rhode Straits and supporting Rhode regimes.

In fact, Madam Chairperson, we have reliable information.

HON.

J.V.

BAINIMARAMA.- From where?

HON.

PROF. B.C.

PRASAD.- I have the evidence in writing to prove that Qorvis is meddling in local affairs.

HON.

J.V.

BAINIMARAMA.- From where?

HON.

PROF. B.C.


PRASAD.- And influencing governance issues and concocting public relations stance.

It is also trying to influence sections of the local media on what has been to provide while covering Government events and personalities including the Honourable Prime Minister.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Madam Chairperson, the ….

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- Speak on the motion.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Madam Chairperson, exactly you should tell him to speak on the motion.

HON.
HON.

PROF. B.C.

PRASAD.- I was speaking on the motion.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Madam Chairperson, when we go into Committee stage, the whole issue is that whether you want to increase or decrease it.

Now, the Honourable Member is going on some form of monologue diatribe about politics and meddling in affairs and all that, he should just simply say he needs Qorvis, the funding reduced because he believes that there is no need for Qorvis and therefore he wants it removed.
No need to give all these speculation and all these “I have been reliably informed”, I can also, Madam Chairperson, let me speak, let me speak.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Order, order!

HON.

PROF. B.C.

PRASAD.- I have evidence.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Let me speak.

Madam Chairperson, I can also sit here and speculate how he is controlling the media through Fiji Times.

He is having coffee with people from Motibhai’s in Nadi.

All of these things are happening.

I can speculate!

I can speculate!

HON.


PROF. B.C.

PRASAD.- I have evidence.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- I can speculate, I have evidence too.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Member, can we have order, please!

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- I can speculate, I have evidence too.

HON.

PROF. B.C.

PRASAD.- (Inaudible interjection) 2118 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- When will this finish?
Please let us bring order to this meeting and I think your motion is very clear, you do not have to elaborate anymore.

I will now invite anyone else that would like to support or not support this motion.

HON.

PROF. B.C.

PRASAD.- Madam Chairperson, you have not allowed me to speak on the motion.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- You have spoken, it is very clear.

HON.

PROF. B.C.

PRASAD.- And I wanted to explain why Qorvis should not be here.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- You would like this allocation ….

HON.

PROF. B.C.
HON.

PROF. B.C.

PRASAD.- I have evidence.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- (Inaudible interjection) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Honourable Viliame Gavoka, I give you the floor.

HON.

MEMBER.- Cheap shot.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Please listen.

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- Madam Chairperson, it is quite sad that my colleague is not allowed to express his views on this and I think there should be latitude on this issue.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Can you speak on the motion?

HON.

V.R.
HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- But the motion, Madam Chairperson, is to take away the allocation for Qorvis.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- A $1 million which we believe as money that should be spent elsewhere and in my view it should help develop our own talents in the field of communications.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- We have three universities here.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- I think your intention is very clear that you support this motion.
I invite anymore comments, if any.

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- Am I allowed to speak on this?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- No, you are very clear.

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- No, it is a motion, Madam Chair.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Yes, the issue is very clear.

From your side you support the motion.

I invite Honourable Salote Radrodro to speak.

HON.

MEMBER.- (Inaudible interjection) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Wait on, I have not given you the floor.

It is Honourable Salote Radrodro.

HON.

PROF B.C.


PRASAD.- When I move a motion in the Committee of Supply, the rule is that we are allowed to speak on the motion at 20 minutes.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

You speak on the increase, decrease or removal but be succinct and do not go rattle off as long as your justification for the motion is clear.

HON.

PROF B.C.

PRASAD.- But we need to explain why there has not been any justification.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- As long as the justification of the motion is clear, it is clear and we will accept it.

HON.

PROF. B.C.

PRASAD.- Madam Chair, then we should not have motions.

If we cannot explain why we want to have motions, and why increase or decrease….

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- We have given you enough time to explain and you have explained.

I am now inviting other Members to comment on your motion to support or not support.

HON.

PROF. B.C.

PRASAD.- Well I am the mover of the motion, Madam Chair.
I will need to explain.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- I have given you time.

You have had enough time.

Honourable Salote Radrodro you have the floor.

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- I have to say my piece, first.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- You have already said your piece and it is very clear.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Do not fool the Chair.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Otherwise we are going to be spending all day on just this.

I am trying to control this.

HON.

MEMBER.- (Chorus of interjections) HON.

S.V.


RADRODRO.- Thank you, Madam Chair, I rise to support the motion to remove that allocation under Qorvis simply for the very reason that I recall there was a Fiji Times article that said that Qorvis was brought in to counter the negative reporting about the Government.
But if we really support democracy which is freedom of media and the freedom of people to express their opinions and views about Government’s performance, then there is no need to bring in Qorvis and we should rely on our own local media and that is the Fiji Sun and the Fiji Times and any other media outlet in Fiji to be able to give their views on the Government.
Whether it is a negative critique or a positive critique that is media freedom that we talk about and that is also what media is all about that they are the watchdog of society.

2120 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 If we cannot trust our own media outlets in Fiji then why do we want to have them here?

Why bring in an international one which is well known?

You Google Qorvis and it will tell you very specifically (you can Google it now) where they have been engaged.
And that is why, Madam Chair, I support the motion that it will be removed from the Estimates.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you very much for that presentation very succinct and very focused on your justification for your support and that is the kind of debate we want to hear this morning.

Honourable Ratu Kiliraki, you have the floor.

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- Thank you, Madam Chair.

My reason is very simple.


We have the talent, we have the capacity to do the Government’s work in media.

That $1 million is taxpayer’s money and should go back to them.

So when you bring in companies, that shows that contrary to the Government’s intention to develop the local talent, not leave anyone behind but they are leaving behind the local media expertise.

Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Honourable Prem Singh.

HON.


P. SINGH.- Madam Chair, before I speak on the motion, I just need one clarification as a Whip of this Party, I think the general agreement was that we follow the Standing Orders in Committee of Supply and once a motion is moved, the speaker gets 20 minutes to speak and also a right of reply.

He can speak as many times as he wants.

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- Absolutely.


MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- But I still have to see that what he is talking about is very relevant to the motion that is at hand.

But once you start diverting that is when I make… HON.

P. SINGH.- I completely agree with you, Madam Chair.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- So, would you like to speak on this motion?

HON.

P. SINGH.- Yes, Madam Chair.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Please carry on.

HON.


P. SINGH.- When the mover of the motion has strayed from the subject matter .… MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- So you support or do not support?

HON.

P. SINGH.- Madam Chair, I support this motion ….

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Please speak on it!

HON.

P. SINGH.- … for two reasons, one is that we have enough local talents and if we do not have local talents, we should have empowered them up to now to take over this job.
We have seen that overseas consulting firms have a prejudice as they are always willing to go outside their boundaries to please their masters and to become a meddling tool in the affairs of the internal affairs of a country.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- What has Robin Nair has been telling you?

(Chorus of interjections) HON.


P. SINGH.- Madam Chair, we are saying that these are well covered under this scheme available now and therefore I support this motion and I say that there should be a decrease in the budget.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

We have had enough debate on this motion.

(Chorus of interjections) HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- There is another ….

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- We are ready to vote on this motion.

Parliament will vote on the motion.

Does anyone oppose the motion?


(Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion.

(Hon.

Member interjects) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- The last speaker actually repeated what the other speaker has said.

So we are going to be repeating a lot of things, that is why I have stopped this debate.

(Hon.

Member interjects) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- You talked about the local capacity building and the international, that has been said before.
This is the reason I am stopping this.

Votes cast: Ayes Noes - - 15 31 There being 15 Ayes and 31 Noes, the motion is defeated.

Parliament will now vote on Head 16.

The question is that the amount of Head 16, Ministry of Communications be approved, does any Member oppose the motion?

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, open the vote.

Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not Voted - - - 31 15 4 There being 31 Ayes, 15 Noes and 4 Not Voted, the motion is agreed to.
Head 16 – Ministry of Communication, agreed to.

Thank you, Honourable Members will now move on to the next item on the agenda.

2122 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 SECRETARY-GENERAL.- Head No.

17, Ministry of Civil Service.

Head 17 – Ministry of Civil Service MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Ministry of Civil Service, and we have Programme 1, Activity 1 and the floor is open for comments, if any?

Honourable Salote Radrodro?

HON.

S.V.

RADRODRO.- Thank you, Madam Chair.


May I request for an explanation on Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 1 and also in SEG 5 if I may move onto SEG 5.

On the Doctor’s Personal Emoluments, Allowances and Training.

Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- You are moving an amendment or you want clarification?

HON.

S.V.
HON.

S.V.

RADRODRO.- Madam Chair, maybe if I can just have an explanation on why is it here, if not, then I move that all these about the doctors be transferred to Head 22, Programme 1,Activity 1, SEG 1 in the Ministry of Health.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Can we have clarification on why this has been included in this Head?

HON.
HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Madam Chair, as the Honourable Member would recall I assume from last year’s Budget that we actually had moved the doctor’s salaries to Ministry of Civil Service, given the reforms that are taking place in the Ministry of Health, of course, with the concurrence of the Honourable Minister and that this is a work in transition.

This is why, for example, as you may recall that we also then have the three different categories of doctors.
The Ministry of Civil Service at the moment, the Permanent Secretary is working very closely with the Permanent Secretary for Health together with the Honourable Minister in the recruitment drive for the specialists, et cetera.

So this is why it has been put in this particular Head.

It creates a lot of transparency because of the reform and there were, frankly as we noted that there were administrative issues.
The Honourable Minister for Health, at the moment is carrying out reforms within the administrative side in the head office with the Permanent Secretary.

So there were a lot of administrative issues, for example, when the doctors would want to go on leave, the administrators at their head office would not give their approval until such time as the doctor came back.
We had issues with locums, all of that is being resolved and this actually creates more transparency, it is moving away from the bureaucratic administration.

Of course, once the capacity is built in the Ministry of Health, this allocation will go back to the Ministry of Health and the doctors are actually quite happy about this.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Salote Radrodro?

HON.

S.V.
HON.

S.V.

RADRODRO.- Madam Chair, I move a motion that that allocation be transferred to the Ministry of Health -Head 22, Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 1.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

You can fill up the form, please.

Do you have a seconder to your motion?

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- I second the motion.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

So anymore comments on Programme 1 Activity 1?

HON.
HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Programme 1 Activity 1, SEG 5 - Doctors - Training of around $1.2 million, why is it allocated under this SEG, I thought only the salaries that was alluded to earlier by the Honourable Minister.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- But obviously, if you are going to have salaries and the training for the doctors, what goes along with that , because we are looking after the entire package for the doctors.

It relates to the HR side of doctors, so obviously the training will be there too.
It also includes doctors going overseas for training, some of them get short attachments, and we try and create more specialisation.

Some of them go to hospitals in Australia, New Zealand, India and various other places also.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, any other comments?

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Another clarification.

The doctor’s pay has moved to the Ministry of Civil Service, what about in terms of line reporting, where do they report to in terms of their work?

HON.
HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- It is a very robust arrangement where the day-to-day administration in respect of reporting obviously is done through normal health system, but in respect of their salaries, promotions, hiring of people is done through the Ministry of Civil Service.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Okay.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Any more comments?

Honourable Leawere?

HON.

M.R.


LEAWERE.- Madam Chair, still just on SEG 5, we have Training of $30,000 and then Leadership Training of $192,000; why not put these two together?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Sir, the distinction between leadership training and in-service training?

The leadership training is for conducting leadership training for the civil servants.

This includes fees for the training provider, normally the course materials, refreshments, et cetera, and then you have in-service training.
This covers for various professional and personal development training for the civil servants such as writing courses, policy analysis, project management, gender development, expenses which include fees for the training provider, course materials, and of course, refreshments.

There is a lot of courses and training going on actually with the civil servants, a lot more than what used to happen, Honourable Leawere.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any more comments?

HON.


RATU K. KILIRAKI.- Madam Chair, SEG 5 - Online Education Training ($100,000); I need clarification on that one, who is it for or to what extent is this for?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- For civil servants.

There are a lot of courses available online now, it can be overseas too.

There are courses available, for example, for writing proposals with the World Bank, various other international organisations you have online training.
You get online certification for that too.

How to make 2124 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 applications for climate adaptation finance, there a lot of these issues there.

In fact, we would like to do more online training.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any further comments?

There being no further comments, we will look at the proposal for the amendment that Head 17 be decreased and transferred to Head 22.
I am afraid this amendment does not qualify, you can only increase, decrease or remove, you do not transfer therefore I will not accommodate this particular motion.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- We will now vote on this Head.

Parliament will now vote on Head No.

17.

The question is that the amount of Head 17 - Ministry of Civil Service be approved.

Does any Member oppose the motion?

HON.

S.V.

RADRODRO.- Oppose.

HON.


MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion.

Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not Voted - - - 32 12 6 There being 32 Ayes, 12 Noes, 6 Not Voted, the motion is agreed to.

Head 17 – Ministry of Civil Service, agreed to.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, Honourable Members.

We will move onto the next item on the Agenda.

SECRETARY-GENERAL.- Head No.


18 – Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development Head 18 – Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development MADAM CHAIRPERSPON.- Head 18, we will now look at Programme 1, Activity 1 and I invite comments from the House.

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 7 – Government Roadshow – Remote Rural Locations ($200,000).

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- What is your question, you want to increase, decrease, remove?

HON.

M.D.
HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Last year there was a similar allocation, Madam Chair, how much has been used up and whether this will be a continuing programme?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- So, you want to remove it?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- I want to get some clarification first on the purpose of this allocation, whether it is going to continue.

Last year too we had a similar allocation of $200,000.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, clarification please.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chairperson, this is about taking services down to the rural people, particularly in areas where some of the services are not accessible.

As you know that Government stations in the rural areas are just confined to a particular place.

We started the roadshow way back in 2013 even before the Elections.

Based on our experience in the rural areas: 1.

2.
2.

3. people are finding difficulty in accessing Government services; information from Government on development and other incentives are not trickling down to the rural communities; some of the services that are essential now and are not provided, for example, people are now required to have TIN numbers and ID cards, but for our people in the rural areas, first they have to find some cash so that they can go to the nearest town where they can access these services.
I had this experience, Madam Chairperson, while being a Commissioner where this lady from Kadavu, her husband is from Cikobia and she was required to have a card but no one could witness her because she is not from Cikobia.

So, these are the difficulties that they face.


For birth certificates, some children when they reach 6 years old, they still do not have birth certificates because the parents cannot come but with the rural roadshow, Madam Chairperson, these are the services that we are taking down to the communities because for a birth certificate now, very lately, they have to come to Savusavu.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Minister, it seems that Honourable Bulitavu is not interested in the answer because he is not listening.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- So, these are the services.

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- (Inaudible) HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Honourable Ratu Matanitobua would tell you about the roadshow that we had in Namosi, he was there, how the services were brought to the people, even LTA is there to do the vehicle inspections.
Those who have not been entered in the Vola ni Kawa Bula , these are all the services that they get.

So let us think like rural people because one of the difficulty is first to find money to get town.

Even now, Madam Chair, in the latest one that we had in Kadavu last week, the private sectors are joining.

They are bringing their services, so the first roadshow was in Keiyasi in 2013 and then Nadarivatu, Wainikoro and Saqani very lately.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, anymore comments?


Honourable Ratu Suliano?

HON.

RATU S. MATANITOBUA.- Madam Chair, SEG 6, the District Advisory Counsellor Allowance - $740,000.

Can I ask the Minister how many Counsellors are there in the whole of Fiji?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, we have 287 District Advisory Counsellors.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Honourable Dulakiverata?

2126 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.
RATU S. MATANITOBUA.- Are these sitting allowances or office allowances for the counsellors?

HON.

LT. COL.

I.

B. SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, they do not have offices but they have sitting allowance as well as like Turaga ni Koro to help them move around visiting the communities.

Previously it was only sitting allowance, but given the huge demand in the work that they do similar to the Turaga ni Koro, this has been increased to cater for their visitation as well.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.


Honourable Dulakiverata?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- And they also have 15 percent rise.

So, 287 District Advisory Counsellors and the whole of Fiji is divided into 17 major districts where these 287 operate.

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Thank you, Madam Chair.

On SEG 7 - Refunds of Revenue ($4,000).

Last year we had the same amount of refund.

So what is this refund?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Thank you, Madam Chair.


The District Officers and Provisional Administrators are the Government in their respective localities, Madam Chair.

People who come for business licenses, they collect these revenues.

Sometimes, for example, an applicant comes, lodges and pays for this license and then two weeks later they decide that, “No, I will just withdraw my application.” This is to cater for the fees that they pay, so it is that allocation.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Parmod Chand?

HON.

P. CHAND.- Madam Chair, on Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 6 about the District Advisory Counsellors ($740,000).

When these Advisory Counsellors do not live there or are overseas most of the time and people do not get the services.

Do you still pay them?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, we rely on the communities because the Advisory Counsellors are appointed by the communities.
They come up with the recommendations and then the Ministry approves, and if they are not performing or if they are absent then we will rely on the information that comes from the communities or through our DO’s as well.

But if such is happening, please notify us immediately so that we can investigate and of course take the necessary actions.

We do not change, unless for criminal reasons or whatever but the change has to come again from the communities because they nominate the Advisory Counsellors.

HON.
HON.

P. CHAND.- Because I was visiting the communities and I was told that there is an Advisory Counsellor who is hardly there and people are unable to take their requirements ….

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

That grievance can through later.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- We need the report and then we will work on it.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any more comments?

Honourable Ratu Kiliraki?

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- Activity 1, SEG 8 - the various Government Stations with their allocations.
I need clarification whether they are new constructions or renovations?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Clarification please.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Thank you, Madam Chair.

The only new construction, in fact I will cover SEG 10 as well.

The two new constructions are Wainua and Wainikoro in Tikina Nadogo.

For those that know Wainikoro, you have a school, you have aPost Office, you have Health Centre, Police and Fisheries but you do not have the District Officer.
So the District Officer is moving to Nadogo because it will service the Tikina of Udu, Namuka, Dogotuki and Tikina Nadogo itself as well.

Vunidawa, Madam Chair, this is governed through the Intergrated Rural Development Framework, they are decentralizing as well.

There are a lot of officials who are posted to Vunidawa but operating out of Nausori simply because they do not have quarters.

So this is a duplex style of building which will house 5 families and that is for all these 5 families.
For Kubulau Government Station, Madam Chair, Kubulau is one of the least developed tikina in Fiji according to the Poverty Report and of course, its neighbouring tikina from Cakaudrove as well, Wailevu.

This is why Government is moving into that area.

We have started with the construction of the DO’s Office and the quarters and hopefully the DO’s Office and quarters will be commissioned in October this year, but this is to shift the first stations, to be moved is the postal agency.
In Kubulau, for those that know Kubulau, Agriculture is based in Namalata, Health is based in Namalata and the Post Office is also based in Namalata.

So the new lease in Kubulau is about 20 acres and the intention is to move all the Government Ministries there and hopefully Fisheries will come on board and Police and the rest of the key services that are always consistent in the rural areas and it is right next to the primary school in Kubulau.
So the only new construction is Wainikoro Government Station on SEG 8, and of course in SEG 10 as well, Wainua Government Station in Naitasiri.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Just before I call upon the next one, we are very fortunate and privileged to have the Ambassador His Excellency of Myanmar here with us up in the gallery.

You are very welcome.

Thank you for attending this Parliament sitting.

I now give the floor to the Honourable Leawere.

HON.

M.R.
HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Madam Chair, just a clarification on those Government Stations, in terms of the equipment.

Does that allocation include computers, internet, et cetera, in order to be effective when liaising with their headquarters in Suva?

I just want to find that out, Madam Chair.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Thank you, Madam Chair.

There is allocation.

You will see it is consistent in the Rural Development Ministry.
You have an allocation there on administrative expenses and secondly if I refer you, particularly with the four Divisional Commissioners, if I refer you to Programme 2, Activity 1 SEG 9, we have institutional strengthening for divisional and provincial offices.

This is where we get the funding from because we want to upgrade the offices in the rural areas as well.

Most of the rural offices are always neglected and that is the image of Government.
If people in Suva have multimedia, we also want these people to have multimedia, generators and so forth.

So it is through those two allocations - administrative expenses and the institutional strengthening.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Any further comments?

2128 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 Honourable Members, we will break for tea now.

Thank you for your attendance.

We will come back at 11.30 a.m.

The Parliament adjourned at 11.05 a.m.


The Parliament resumed at 11.35 a.m. MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, Honourable Members.

Since we are dealing with the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development, we have the Minister concerned available to us, I guess we can continue.

Honourable Minister, shall we start?

We will continue from where we left off and we are now we looking at Programme 2, Activity 1.

Do we have any comments?

Honourable Aseri Radrodro?

HON.


A.M. RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, just one SEG 10 - Project Preparatory Work.

Last year it was $250,000, now it has been reduced to $200,000.

Can we get some clarification on this?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Clarification please?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

Project Preparatory Work, I think the Honourable Minister for Economy has alluded to this as well.
In the development machinery, the request come through the tikina councils and the advisory counsellors to the Provincial Development Board and the Divisional Development Board and then it comes to the National Steering Committee.

However, there are a lot of technical work involved with projects, Madam Chairperson.
Experience from the past, one of the contributing factors to the slow implementation or non-implementation as well was because the technical scoping work were not done, even though it has been endorsed from the Provincial Development Board and the Divisional Development Board and then to the National Steering Committee.
So with this allocation the money is given to the Divisional Commissioners so that if it has come from the Provincial Development Board to the Divisional Development Board and the scoping technical assessment has not been done, then that is why this allocation is here.

This is to cater for land surveys, geotechnical assessments and so forth.
But the reduction, Madam Chairperson, you would note that in terms of Capital Projects for this year, most of the development projects that were already identified through this development machinery has been transferred now to the line ministries.

There was a lot of projects under the Divisional Commissioner Central’s Office and now that has been transferred to the Ministry of Health.
Likewise for other ministries that we have, simply because of the Integrated Rural Development Framework that I have talked about.

So, this is sufficient for the projects that we have.

For the information of the Honourable Members of the House, we are very much focused now on our adaptation and resilient projects apart from the normal infrastructure work that we do, particularly for the Central Division.

There is a lot of rising sea-levels and off course river embankments that need to be strengthened.
So this will cover for the assessments that need to be done but again the reduction is because most of the projects that were identified previously has now been shifted to the line ministries and this should be sufficient for the work that we need to undertake.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Honourable Leawere?

HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- SEG 4 - Upkeep of Burial Ground ($2,500), where is this burial ground?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chairperson, again I have said rural development is the Government when there is absence of the line ministries.

We do almost 2130 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 everything and anything on behalf of Government.

There are Community Burial Grounds, there is one in Korovou, Tailevu.

It is not being looked after by Fiji Corrections Service.

In the small towns, we are responsible for that.

We look after those burial grounds.


MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Is $2,500 sufficient?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Yes, this is just to go and do weeding.

We have the brush cutter, so it is just for the fuel expenses.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- That is for the Central Division only.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- That makes sense, yes.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- So, all the Divisional Commissioners have their list of burial grounds.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- So in the North they have their own allocation?

HON.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Yes.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Just to point out, if we skip the head, Madam Chairperson.

You see Programme 2, Activity 2 which is Commissioner Western’s Division, you see Upkeep of Burial Ground ($5,500) because it is a bigger area.

So, again you have $10,000 for Commissioner Northern burial ground because there are more and more of them unattended, that is why we have that.

This is based on the needs per the division.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Gavoka?

HON.

V.R.


GAVOKA.- Madam Chair, in the Western Division, this appears quite inadequate.

If you look at Enamanu in Nadi, people in Nadi are now taking their dead to Lautoka because of the conditions at Enamanu.

Perhaps we could move to increase this for the Western Division.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Would like to move a motion?

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- Yes, I would like to do that.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chairperson, Enamanu does not fit under this one and of course, the allocation as well is not for the space and acquiring.

It is the existing burial grounds and we just look after the ….

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Enamanu is not an existing burial ground?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- No.

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- The reason why people would take their dead away from Enamanu is the condition of the cemetery, the upkeep is very poor.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- But something that we can look into together with Nadi Town Council.

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- I think we can take note of it.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Would you like to propose a motion?

Honourable Minister, can he table a motion to that effect just so that he can consider having an allocation for such burial grounds?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- It is entirely up to the Honourable Member.

HON.
HON.

P. SINGH.- Enamanu Cemetery, I think the Honourable Member is talking about not only the upkeep but creating space.

So, perhaps this could be discussed under the allocation to the Commissioner Western.

You have a separate allocation for Commissioner Western?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- It is over the page.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- This is under the Central Division, Madam Chairperson.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Where is the Western Division?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Programme 2, Activity 2.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Okay, we will keep that in mind.

Any other comments on Programme 2, Activity 1?

Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

SEG 7 – Community Capacity Building ($30,000) is that enough Honourable Minister?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Which one?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Community Capacity Building – SEG 7.

The question is, is that enough?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Yes it is, Madam Chairperson.

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Probably more details on that, Madam Chair, in regards to what activities are included in that allocation.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Community Capacity Building.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, in fact this programme is to be with the Ministry of Health few years back simply because the focus then was on healthy living.

I remember when I joined the Ministry in 2007, it was still with Ministry for Health.
Community Capacity Building is a concept that was devised by the Iraqi’s, the Ministry for Rural Development attended and we have adopted that concept.

Because in Fiji the lead agent for rural development is the Ministry for Rural Development and that was the reason why Government has shifted it back to the Ministry for Rural Development.

We are talking about Integrated Rural Development, Madam Chair, and that is why it is with the Ministry.
So, this is Community Capacity Building is, I have talked about it the other day on the Turaga ni Koro.

If we need to do some empowerment on them and some training, things 2132 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 like how to fill project papers, how to make their requests and what is available in each of the arms of development within Government, which is what the allocation is for.
Based on the need but about two or three every year and it is just getting them and the expenses is just to cater for the catering, stationery and those expenses, Madam Chair.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Resources for the community included in this too?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Resources for the community?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- We mentioned this yesterday about resources for the Turaga ni Koro.

You mentioned that these are available to the Turaga ni Koro.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Turaga ni Koro will come under the iTaukei Affairs.

They are administered under iTaukei Affairs, but we bring them in for Community Capacity Building to tell them this is what is available in each of the Government departments.

So, it is about empowerment, knowledge but they are funded from iTaukei Affairs not Rural Development.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any further comments?

Honourable Ratu Kiliraki?

HON.


RATU K. KILIRAKI.- Programme 2, Activity 1, SEG 5 - OHS Expenses $3,000, whether this is enough since the Central Division is a big division.

Can I get clarification on that one?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Minister.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Thank you, Madam Chair.

This is just about OHS.

Every workplace has to have an OHS Committee, Worker’s Committee that represent the workers to the management so this is just for that purpose.
But on safety equipment and clothing, that comes under a different allocation.

This is for the meetings of the Workmen’s Committee under the Act.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Which allocation would they come under?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Sorry?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- You talked about safety equipment and you said a different allocation.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Only where we have technical people particularly those involved in rural housing, they require helmets and boots because Rural Development is a non-technical ministry.

We just administer development for Government.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Normally for equipment et cetera, it comes under SEG 5.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.

– Honourable Vadei?

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- Just a clarification on Programme 2, Activity 1, SEG 7 - Community Capacity Building.
Does that capture the heritage sites also from various divisions?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, we are not responsible for heritage sites.

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- That is for rural development.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- What this allocation is intended for has been very clearly discussed.

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- Yes, for Rural Development.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Not for the heritage site.

HON.
HON.

A.T. VADEI.- That is for the Turga ni Koro to negotiate about titles and all that so that they can align themselves to business development before all these.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- No, Madam Chair.

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- In the iTaukei Affairs in Molituva, that is a failed one because it does not involve the rural development.

That is the Molituva one in Kuku.

That is why I am asking clarification on that whether it captures that rural development programme?
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- It is clear that it is not captured under this allocation.

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- Okay, thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments, please?

We will move onto Programme 2, Activity 2.

This is the Western Division.

Honourable Viliame Gavoka this is where your motion will come.

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- Yes, I like to move that we increase the provision for Burial Grounds, Madam Chair.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Burial Grounds, you want to increase it to?

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- $25,000.


We are talking about Koromumu, Enamanu, I do not know about Ba and Tavua, they need to be kept up to an acceptable standard.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

You will speak on this motion when we come to it.

We will ask for a seconder when we come to this motion.

Programme 2, Activity 2, still on the Western Division.

Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Thank you, Madam Chair, just SEG 10 - Project Preparatory Work.
I think in previous budgets the projects used to be listed.

For example, last year in this same SEG, they had the Votualevu Health Centre in Nadi.

Can the Honourable Minister just explain which projects are included in this preparatory work and the costs?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Again, Madam Chair, this cost is just to prepare us for the projects that will be raised through the provincial development boards and the divisional 2134 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 development boards.

But there is one that is definitely in the list but is not funded this year again subject to more technical work is the DO’s office in Korolevu.

We were hoping that we would have that in this year’s but there is a lot of work to be done in Korolevu.
Madam Chair, if you can picture Korolevu as you drive by, it is quite congested, you have the Post Office, they have the Ministry for Health and then we have the Police and then the National Fire Authority at the back.

We are currently negotiating with the other ministries because previously in Rural Development it was not co-ordinated.

Each of the ministries just decide on where they set up.
So, most Government stations that we have, like I have said in Nadogo, they have their own leases so we are currently negotiating with the other authorities.

We have already discussed with Police and the Minister for Health is listening, the Commissioner will convene this group together so that we can come out with options.

We want the office near the road side.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- So, this is an example of the area you are talking about?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Yes.


So, his asking about the list but one of the definite projects that will be funded under this allocation is the Korolevu DO’s office because there is still a bit of work to be done, but the rest will come in the list this year.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Before we carry on I would like to welcome the students and teachers from Lomaivuna High School.

We met you there and we really would like to welcome you to Parliament again this time.
Thank you for your interest in Parliament.

Any further comments on Western Division?

Activity 3 - Commissioner Northern.

Any comments on the Northern?

Who said no?

Someone from the West is saying no to the North, please let me hear from the North.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Madam Chair, just on SEG 5 - Expenses for Boards and Committees ($45,000).

This is being also allocated for other Commissioners - $30,000 is for Commissioner Western but for North it is $45,000.
Is there any particular reason for the difference in allocation for Boards and Committees?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Minister, why the discrimination?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, I have talked about the machinery for Rural Development; District Level then Provincial Development Board and Divisional Development Board.

Right now, we do not have a board at district level simply because of the Act.
We have the iTaukei Act which is only for iTaukei and they have their meetings separately under the Bose ni Tikina and Advisory Counsellors.

But at the Provincial Development Board we bring the provincial representatives, the Advisory Council representatives and the Government machinery together.

So these board expenses are for the board members and there will be variation.

The Eastern Division, they are in the islands.

We bring them over.
We bring them over.

We pay their airfare, or if they come by boat we pay their boat fare, we pay for their hotel expenses depending on where they have the meetings as well.

For the other divisions, it is not only because they design the membership of this board.

For Vanua Levu, some of the board members are in Suva.

A lecturer at FNU, a lecturer at USP who are members of the Province or from the Division.
So when they come for the meetings, the Ministry pays for their expenses and of course, the catering, stationery, et cetera.

So that is the allocation and why the variation as well.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Ratu Matanitobua?

HON.

RATU S. MATANITOBUA.- How many times the Board sits, Madam Chair?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Two times a year, Madam Chair.

It depends on the Divisions.


Sometimes there are commitments that prevent them but preferably two meetings in a year because that is also aligned to the various machineries because iTaukei Affairs conduct their meetings yearly as well.

It is after they have convened those meetings because most of the development issues will come out of the provincial council meetings.

The Boards are convened when these various machineries are already.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.


Honourable Bulitavu, did you have your hand up?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Thank you, Madam Chair.

Just on SEG 9 - Institutional Strengthening for Divisional and Provincial Offices.

I think last year too we had a $50,000 allocation.

Can the Honourable Minister explain what kind of strengthening is being done at this level and when will this be completed or it is a continuous activity or programme?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, I think I have answered this question in part as raised by the Honourable Leawere.

We are building new stations now; Wainikoro and Kubulau.

So they will have to be equipped as well through the administrative expenses and the institutional strengthening but this allocation has been consistent.

If you look back to the budget, I think for the last six years, simply because rural offices were neglected.
They are the image of the Ministry, they are the image of Government.

You go to the DOs office, you will find all the chairs from previous years and you can find seven different types of chairs.

I have talked about multi- medias.

We need to raise the standard and that is the image of Government and this is why this allocation.

If you go to the office in Kadavu now, not equivalent to a board room in Suva but theyare well-equipped and I think we are fixing Vunidawa and the rest.
It is available to the communities as well, Madam Chair.

It is not only for Government.

If some development committees want to convene meetings, they ask the DO, the DO provides this for them as well.

Most of the other organisations are utilising these facilities and their setup and of course in the rural areas, it includes generators as well because for us to run the multi-media you need electricity and this is why this institutional strengthening allocation.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments?


Honourable Ratu Kiliraki?

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- Thank you , Chair.

In SEG 5 - Cartage of Personal Effects ($15,000).

I know it is not reflected in the Central Division and also in the Eastern Division there is $5,000.

There is an explanation of that one.

I would have thought to be the same for all.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, every now and then people are posted and the Ministry looks after this.
In the Central Division and the Western Division, movement within Viti Levu, if I may say, does not involve a lot of cost and actually it is just undertaken by CDP.

But for those in the islands particularly if you are posted to Vanua Levu and in the Eastern Division as well, CDP cannot deliver for you to those places.

So the Ministry has to be responsible for that and that is why that is factored and you will see also in the Eastern Division, there is also an allocation for repatriation.
We have just lost the DO Rotuma.

For those Honourable Members 2136 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 who went to Rotuma lately, we have just lost the DO Rotuma so that is repatriation funding for similar purposes.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Any further comments?

Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Thank you, Madam Chair.

Just on SEG 10 - Project Preparatory Work for the Northern Division.

I think the Honourable Minister has already explained the purpose.
Does he have any list in regards to the current projects that will be upcoming given that there were a few lists last year in regards to the Tawake Nursing Station, Seaqaqa Health Centre, and construction of the duplex quarters at Naduri Health Centre plus the Nabouwalu Hospital?

What are the progression and any other list of projects that will be coming up?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Again, Madam Chair, as I have stated there are some ongoing which needs to be continued so that it can be passed onto the National Steering Committee and then for onward submission to the Ministry for Economy for funding once it gets through that process.

But again, we expect and anticipate that for this year’s Provincial Development Board and Divisional Development Board’s new projects will also arise or be raised by the communities and this is to prepare for that.
As I have stated, we want to focus on resilience and adaptation programmes and of course looking at other infrastructure needs as well.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- So this is only for preparatory work?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Yes, only for preparatory work.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- When projects are approved then new allocations will be made.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Yes, Madam.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any further comments?

Thank you, we will move onto Programme 2, Activity 4.
Do we have comments on Programme 2, Activity 4 – Eastern Division?

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- The project preparatory work, is there also a list for the Eastern Division in SEG 10?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- I think the response is the same.

It is for preparatory work of projects and once the project is approved then there will be another new allocation towards this project.

So this is consistent with all the divisions.

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.


MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Vadei, did you have your hand up?

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Ratu Suliano?

HON.

RATU S. MATANITOBUA.- Thank you, Madam Chair.

Activity 4, SEG 5 – Transportation of Building Materials ($40,000).

Eastern Division is the islands, is $40,000 sufficient?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Yes, we have had consultations, we had all the Divisional Commissioners and based on that and they have done it.
So for example you see Protective Clothing - $5,000, you do not see it in other ones.

The reason why we have it there for Eastern Division is because they travel in the maritime areas so they need their wet coats, rain coats and all that kind of thing.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chairperson, if I may also add usually the Eastern Division rides on the allocation that is given to Rural Housing for transportation purposes.
If I may refer you to Programme 4, Activity 1 on Rural Housing, there is also an allocation there on transportation of building materials with an allocation of $100,000.
But sometimes when Government Shipping Services has other priorities, it gives that flexibility to the Commission Eastern to use that allocation under him because of the irregular services as well because when it comes to Government Shipping Services, we have a lot of traffic probably to Lomaiviti through to Taveuni, So that is why that allocation is within but usually we ride first on the allocation given to Rural Housing which is with headquarters and then that is the contingency for Commissioner Eastern.
HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- On the Training of Rural Carpenters, can the Honourable Minister elaborate on the scope of this training?

Would there be any element of the provision of tools to the carpenters in this one?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chairperson, this is mainly focussed on skills because during the responses post-disasters, most of the assistance that we provide with our rural people includes basic carpentry tools.
There are few kits available, some with saws, pinch bars, nails and hammers and some even have more additional so that is the equipment.

But the idea behind this is so that our people can build to standard because there are limited rural carpenters in rural areas.

In the Ministry we have about seven Grade “A” Carpenters.

So we deploy them in the rural areas and they supervise the work, so these will be the people that will do the construction.
As we speak, there is a training ongoing in Qelekuro in Tailevu; the building will be completed this Friday.

They have completed one in Magodro, Ba and they have also completed one in Vanua Levu, it is somewhere probably in Nagigi or so.

That is the idea, Madam Chairperson, but the tools come with the kits that they are provided with during disaster response.

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Are there any more comments?

Sorry, can you use the mike?

HON.

RO T.V.


KEPA.- Programme 3 for Activity 1 ?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Programme 2, Activity 4.

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- No, Programme 3, Activity 1.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.-No, not yet.

Programme 2, Activity 4 Honourable Karavaki?

HON.

S.D.

KARAVAKI.- Madam Chairperson, SEG 5 under Commissioner Eastern we have an allocation of $5,000 - Protective Clothing.

I fail to see under other activities with Commissioner Western and Northern.
Is there a project or something that is different happening in the Eastern that needs the protective clothing apart from the others?

2138 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Do not say it because we need protection clothing.

This is for our maritime.

It is just that we need to be protected in the Eastern Division.

HON.
HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- From our financial perspective, Honourable Member, if we for example buy raincoats or wet clothes for the people to travel, we do not expect to fund that every year because we do not want the raincoats to disappear.

But obviously there was a need in the Eastern Division to buy more protective clothing because they do travel out to the maritime areas so therefore there is an allocation made.
For the other Divisions, yes they may require some protective clothing but they already have it.

Should there be a need that arises, should they need to replace it or it gets torn et cetera, then we make an additional allocation.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any further comments?

Thank you.

We will move onto Programme 3, Activity 1.

The Honourable Leader of the Opposition?

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- Madam Chairperson, this for SEG 8 – Footpaths and Footbridges.

What type of footbridges is this for?


Is it for suspension or concrete, timber connecting villages; that is just a question.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chairperson, let me clarify that this used to be the allocation for non-cane access road.

The Honourable Radrodro raised about making comparisons between cane access roads under the Ministry of Sugar.
If you go back to Page 85, Madam Chairperson, on the general description of the work undertaken by the Ministry it says “several programmes under construction of non-cane access roads” but they have added footpaths and footbridges but I will explain this as well and of course the addition of the words “community access roads”, but this used to be mainly the farm roads because all other roads in Fiji are under the Act, now comes under Fiji Road Authority, that is the village access roads, PWD standard roads previously for all that were familiar with the old system so this is just about farm roads.
But most of these farming communities when it comes to their market access, we construct the road but they have a problem because there is a stream.

If they do not have vehicles then they will just require a simple bridge or foot crossing so the designs vary.
Even on Irish Crossings and so forth, suspension bridges we want to come away with the old technology of suspension bridges and FRA is still working now on the design for Bua Lomanikoro which used to have a suspension bridge so that is why the addition of the footpaths and footbridges as well.

The designs vary depending on the assessment made by the technical experts.

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- So it is the cane access roads?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Non-cane access roads.

HON.

RO T.V.


KEPA.- Can it be for villages as well?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Yes.

We want to come away from the definition of “villages” because villages are demarcated.

Now we have a lot of community villages who are outside the village boundary, the demarcated village boundary that is why they introduced the word “community” because they are our farming community or they are just a settlement, so it all qualifies.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- But very clear, it is footbridges and not vehicle bridges?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- If it is a footbridge on a farm road then we are responsible for it, but if it is a normal road then it is Fiji Roads Authority .

HON.

J.V.

BAINIMARAMA.- In this particular instance it is a footbridge for villages.

In Kadavu in Joma, Nakoronawa and Yadua and one in Vanua Levu – Korolevu Village.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- And some communities crossings on mangrove swamps.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Already footbridges have been identified under this allocation, so any new footbridge you will have to do the project preparatory work.

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- … the Honourable Prime Minister for coming in as well because he knows that we need that, especially in the mangrove areas where it is inaccessible except when we have the footbridges.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- So we need the project preparatory work.

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- So we can ask for that assistance.

Vinaka.


MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Any further comments?

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- In relation to that one, there is a footpath there and footbridges so whether that qualifies the footpaths inside villages or where does it apply, what is the application there?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, we are going on probably the terminology in here, I have talked about access.
In some roads, we need to sort of create that hard concrete surface so that we can move, whether it is vehicles or just the commodities.

Let me give you an example, Madam Chair, in Wainibuka when they bring the bananas, even though it is going downhill, they will have to tie the ropes on the carriage just to balance these things simply because of the condition.

This is where we need to construct such paths so that it is stable.
I have talked about agricultural products being perishable because once the bananas and the dalo are bruised, the grades automatically lowered and thus the cost as well.

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- Still on footbridges, Madam Chair.

In terms of the training expenses that the Honourable Minister referred to in the last Activity, can they also give training to our people who are trying to build these footbridges over the mangrove swamps and across the small streams?
Do they also offer that type of training for them?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, it is basic carpentry skills unless there is other requirements when it comes to safety but basic carpentry skills, of course, can apply in all.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Prem Singh?

HON.


P. SINGH.- Madam Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 100(2), I move without notice that Head 18, Programme 3, Activity 1, SEG 7 regarding emergency water supplies be increased by $1 million in respect of emergency water services.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Would you like to fill the form, please?

2140 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.

P. SINGH.- Yes, I have got it.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.


Any further comments on this particular Programme 3, Activity 1?

Honourable Aseri Radrodro?

HON.


A.M. RADRODRO.- Madam Chair, Programme 3, Activity 1 SEG 8 – Community Access Road as alluded to by the Honourable Minister that this is non-sugar cane access road, can we get some clarification because we have heard a lot of enquiries, a lot of applications being put into the Ministry regarding this cane access road in terms of the criteria - how to access the funding for the non-cane access road?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- The request for non-cane access roads, they raise it with the DOs and then the DOs will ask the Ministry for Agriculture to come and do an assessment to value the crops and the farming programmes that are undertaken in the place and then the report goes again to the Commissioner Central.

The Permanent Secretary for Rural Development allocates this to the four Divisional Commissioners based on the request.
We will come to Head 32 later on, there is also allocation there for farm roads and we will discuss when it comes.

HON.

RATU N.T LALABALAVU.- Madam Chair, just a point of clarification and that is to do with SEGs 8 and 10.

Is the Honourable Minister allowed to vire 8 to 10 or 10 to 8 even though 10 is a grant because they are of the same activity and there can be several projects running at one time in one particular division?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, can I ask the Honourable Minister for Economy because they set the conditions for virement and transfers.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Sorry, Honourable Member can you please repeat your question?

HON.

RATU.
HON.

RATU.

N.T LALABALAVU.- Madam Chair, I seek clarification on whether the Minister is allowed to vire between SEGs 8 and 10 of the same activity given that one particular Commissioner may have several projects or the three or four Commissioners having similar kind of projects at one time?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry has to make the application for virement, then it gets assessed by the Permanent Secretary for Economy and it can be done.
It is done between the Permanent Secretaries and then it comes to our desk.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any further comments on that?

If not, we will move onto Programme 4, Activity 1.

Any comments?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Madam Chair, SEG 10, there is an increase from $500,000 to $1 million this year, can the Honourable Minister explain as to the increase?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- This is the Rural Housing Assistance - SEG 10.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Last year, the allocation was only $500,000 simply because most of our rural people were recovering from Cyclone Winston because the Rural Housing allocation, they contribute one- third which is about $6,000.

So, the increase now this year is they are recovering and we have talked about the amount of money that the people of Kadavu are now earning from kava, et cetera.

They are in a better position to build more houses, so that is the increase in allocation.
Of course, we were also advised by the Commissioners when we went for the Budget discussions Madam Chairperson, that there are some pending lists now from them from this year’s allocation because they have recovered.

Now they are in a position now to fund as part of the contribution, so they have increased now to $1 million.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any more comments?

Honourable Ratu Matanitobua?

HON.

RATU S. MATANITOBUA.- Madam Chairperson, on SEG 5 - Training of Rural Carpenters.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Do you want to decrease, increase?

HON.

RATU S. MATANITOBUA.- We welcome this, Madam Chairperson, from the Ministry.

The question I ask is who qualifies for this training and how?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- You want to increase or decrease?

I think we are getting away from what we should be doing.

HON.

RATU S. MATANITOBUA.- It is the same allocation as last year.

HON.

MEMBER.- You want to increase or decrease?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Any other comments?
Any other comments?

There being no other comments, we will now deal with the motions.

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- On training of rural carpenters.

How is that done and where, Honourable Minister?

Is this training done in Suva or is it done in a rural area?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chairperson, I see that there is a lot of interest in the provision of training to our rural youths probably, but there is a different scheme under FNU where they run these courses as well in the rural areas.
But this came out of the experiences that we learned from TC Winston.

Most of the houses would have been saved if they had straps, used, probably bolts and whatever nails that they have.

These are the basic skills that we are teaching them, Madam Chairperson and the areas chosen were mainly along the paths of Cyclone Winston as well, but we have now allocation again for this year and we will look at the other areas as well.

We run this with FNU.


FNU officials are with the Ministry to run this package and of course it is just the Roko Tui and the Advisory Counsellors and the Turaga-ni-Koro within the area that bring together the youths for the training.

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- So it can be done in the community?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Yes.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- It can be done in the villages.

2142 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 Honourable Vadei?

HON.
HON.

A.D. O’CONNOR.- Madam Chairperson, if I may, I think we are deviating away from the Standing Orders which are the increase or decrease or deletion.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Before they make up their mind as to propose for an increase or decrease.

HON.

A.D. O’CONNOR.- We are giving them a bit of leeway for clarification which I think is in order but I think it is drawing out of the context.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- No, we are very much in focus HON.
A.D. O’CONNOR.- (Inaudible interjection) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Because of the training, for instance, was done only in Suva then they would have requested for an increase so that it can be done where it is available to communities.

This is the kind of justification that we are provided now.

Honourable Vadei?

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.


In regards to that training allocation, after the training will they be provided with the necessary tools to complete their work or otherwise they will use spade and knives for the carpentry work?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Now, that has gone outside obviously.

I think you will buy your own tools.

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- Madam Chairperson, because it says “rural” and we come from the rural areas, that is why we are interested in this.
He comes from a city areas so he does not worry about that.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments on this one?

Honourable Ratu K Kiliraki?

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- I think Honourable Vadei’s comment is relevant because after training, you need to increase ….

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Irrelevant, any other comments, please?

Honourable Karavaki?

HON.

S.D.


KARAVAKI.- Madam Chairperson, under SEG 5 there is Drafting Materials, whether this is for the architectural drafting for the Ministry itself or whether this is also available for people in rural areas who would like to access this for drafting services for their building or what this is about?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chairperson, we have a drafting team in Rural Development, they draw plans and then it is passed by the relevant authorities.
One, we have standard plans; three bedrooms, two bedrooms, whether it is concrete or whatever, people buy the plans for $2.65 and some come with special requests.

They want to build a home and this is what I need.

So we have a drafting team in the Ministry.

Thank you for the question but we encourage them to make use of this because the drawings are up to standards and that is why we always encourage them to come.
So the drafting team is there, this is just for their drafting materials but now most of the work Madam is C-Cat which is drawing on computers, so that is not a lot of materials.

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- I have a motion for an increase in Head 18, Programme 4, Activity 1, SEG 5 by $200,000 with respect to Training of Rural Carpenters.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.


We will now move on to motions and we have the first motion by the Honourable Prem Singh that Head 18 be increased by $1 million in Programme 3, Activity 1, SEG 7 with respect to Emergency Water Supplies.

Do we have a seconder?

HON.

P. CHAND.- I second the motion, Madam Chairperson.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Would you like to speak on your motion Honourable Prem Singh.

HON.

P. SINGH.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.


The notion of absence of water for rural communities continues to be brought to our attention time and again.

Many rural communities have become so used to no water as it is the basic building block of life and increasing is imperative to cater for climate risk like droughts and unpredictable weather.
Further, Madam Chair, the dry is setting in the Western and Northern Divisions and we had bad experience with prolonged drought in the last two years and the intermittent water cuts that are happening around the country, particularly in Votualevu in Carreras Road in Nadi - people have been without water for five days as was alluded to in the media.We would like to see that this allocation be increased to $1 million.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Anyone would like to speak in support or non-support.

HON.
HON.

P. CHAND.- Thank you Madam Chairperson, I support the motion, increasing this from $500,000 to $1 million.

Water supply problem is serious in the Northern Division and in many places.

Last week I was visiting Vunivutu and Wavuwavu, many of the wells have dried and in a number of places people do not have clean and safe drinking water.
So, it is important for us to note that this increase of supply of water will do a great service to the people especially in the rural areas like living towards Wainikoro, Lagalaga, Naikelikoso, and Vunivutu and also towards Muanidevo in Dreketi side and also the coastal areas are in real need of water like Seva, Naduri and when we go to Niurua, these are the places that really need water supply.

(Hon.

Members interject) HON.


P. CHAND.- I believe the Honourable Prime Minister has gone and seen them, maybe he is not out of thirst because he carries a Fiji Water bottle so he does not have a problem.

But our people do have problems, Madam Chair, and I support this motion.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Cheap shot.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.


You have gone outside of the motion, you are saying to be increased to $1 million when the motion says to increase by $1 million which will take it up to $1,500,000.

2144 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.

P. CHAND.- I do correct that and I go by the motion, Madam Chair, that it be increased by $1 million.

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Madam Chair, I do support the motion too, which is before the Committee.
In regards to emergency water supplies, I think there are plenty Government projects that are currently being talked about at the Tikina Council and also at the Provincial Council, but the projects are still at its preparatory stages.
I support that there should be an increase to at least give an ease of supplying water to areas, especially in the Northern Division who are in need for emergency water in times of real need to cater for children and even villagers when they have soqo, funerals, weddings and other needs when they do arise, Madam Chairperson.

HON.

MEMBER.- Especially in the Western Division too.

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- In the Western Division too and even the other divisions in Fiji.
Probably, Madam Chair, that is the reason why I support the increase as required by the motion.

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- Madam Chair, we have to be seen as in regards to Sustainable Development Goal No.

6 where each one of us is entitled to free water or good clean water.

Even in Suva, two water pumps are being stationed in the Waimanu River but the farming communities in Waibau, Naqaraivi are still struggling for water.
So this motion is relevant in that case, especially Sustainable Development Goal No.

6.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, I will just clarify something to the Honourable Members before we vote.

The allocation for water throughout Fiji is given to the Water Authority of Fiji.

There is a $3 million allocation already with Water Authority of Fiji for cartage and this is just a contingency, particularly for the extreme rural areas.
This has already been increased from $250,000 to $500,000 but the point that I want to make, Madam Chair, is all water needs in Fiji are handled by Water Authority of Fiji.

They are currently undertaking rain water harvesting and tanks are distributed all over Fiji now for them to store rain water, et cetera, so this is just contingency purposes, particularly for the extreme rural areas where the Water Authority cannot access so that is handled by the Commissioners, Madam Chair.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

With that clarification, we will still motion to the motion.

, Does anyone oppose the motion?

(Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion.

Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not Voted - - - 14 31 5 There being 14 Ayes and 31 Noes, 5 Not Voted, the motion is defeated.

Thank you, Honourable Members.


We will move onto the next motion and the motion is being moved by the Honourable Viliame Gavoka, to move that Head 18 be increased by $25,000 in Programme 2, Activity 2, SEG 4 with respect to Upkeep of Burial Grounds, do we have a seconder?

HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- I second the motion.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Would you like to speak on your motion, Honourable Gavoka?

HON.

V.R.
HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- Thank you, Madam Chair, I have friends in Nadi who lost their loved ones but took them to Lautoka for burial because the burial ground in Nadi which is predominantly Enamanu was in their eyes not kept up to the standard for their loved ones.

I know that it is not only a matter of upkeep but also a matter of space.

I think generally, Madam Chair, we should as a people begin to relook at burial grounds, our cemeteries.
On a public basis, this applies from Koromumu in Sigatoka, Enamanu in Nadi, Lautoka appears to have a very decent burial ground hence the choice of people from Nadi to take their loved ones there.

I do not know about Ba, perhaps they have the same situation, with Tavua or Rakiraki, but I think generally as a people, we need to do a better job.

It tells a lot about us, the way we look after our dead.

By doing this, Madam Speaker, if we can start this way, the next step would be our villages.
I know that it is part of the bylaws to try and bring some discipline in the way we bury our dead and as you know, within the village community, there is this belief that you do not clear the pathway to the cemetery, as part of the old belief.

We only clean our cemeteries during Christmas but that should change.
I think gradually we should change that but we start this way because we are now becoming a tourism destination in a big way and we have people who visit, people who drive through the villages, burial grounds and our burial grounds or cemeteries, the way we keep them, like I said will say a lot about us as a people, as a host to visitors.
I know some of our families have buried loved ones overseas and they come back and tell us how immaculate the cemeteries are in overseas and we can do the same thing here.

So I just think that it is time that we relook at this, start this way with the public cemeteries and gradually encourage our villages to also raise the standard of how we keep our burial grounds in the villages.
That to me is the reason why I suggest that we do this by increasing this allocation, which is not really huge at this point but starting us in the right direction.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other Member would like to speak on this motion?

There has been very strong support for that justification for the increase.

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- Thank you, Madam Chair.


In support of the motion it is really difficult to demarcate or identify the burial grounds of our family when they remove stones from those public burial grounds in Lautoka; that is the first one.

That is why I am concerned about the upkeep of the burial grounds, maintaining it is another issue.

We did the rituals at a wrong grave of a family member in Lautoka because they had removed the tomb stone, so those are some of the concerns.
We are laughing now, but it is not a laughing matter anymore, and something should be done.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- According to the mover of the motion, the Lautoka Burial Ground is good and they are taking their dead there but according to you, it is not.

Any other comments?

HON.

S.B.

VUNIVALU.- Madam Chair, in regards to Enamanu, the burial ground there is looked after by the Meteorological Services, they have got their own transmitter.

It is a big compound and it is looked after well.


It is fenced and there are people who man the place.

I know because the military used to guard the place and with Honourable Gavoka saying that it is not well kept, I doubt that very much because we clean the place now and then.

I doubt very much that 2146 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 Enamanu is not well kept because only the Christians are using it.

The other religions use their own like in Wailoaloa and some other places.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- No, his mentioning other places as well; all burial grounds.

Well you said that it is cleaned now and then, maybe they see it when it is not being cleaned.

Honourable Prem Singh?

HON.

P. SINGH.- Madam Chair, on Enamanu Cemetery, there are portions which are maintained by the religious bodies and the one that is administered by the District Office, that portion is almost full to capacity and people are being buried on top of the other.
And so whilst this motion seeks to increase the allocation on upkeep of burial grounds, there is no provision in the budget to look for new sites.

I would really like to suggest that we look up new sites for these burial places because Enamanu is full to capacity.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Any other comments?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.


SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, just to clarify, in fact, the Commissioner Western has reported that there is space issue and DO Nadi is already working on it and will consult Ministry for Lands and of course iTLTB as well.

That is why the preparatory works allocation is there and definitely it is an issue that Commissioner Western is looking into.

Thank you Honourable Prem Singh for that clarification as well.
There are different portions allocated to different faith-based organisations so we will work with Commissioner Western’s Office and with DO Nadi.

There is no need for any special allocation for that because of the preparatory works allocation that is already there.

The Ministry of Lands usually handles all this on behalf of Government.

So we will take that into consideration, Madam Chair.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

With that clarification we will still put this motion to the vote.
Do we have any opposition to this amendment?

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote therefore on this motion.

Votes Cast: Ayes Noes Not voted - - - 15 30 5 There being 15 Ayes, 30 Noes and 5 Not Voted, the motion is defeated.

And with the next motion, this does not qualify, it does not have the name of the mover of the motion so that is not being accommodated.

We will now move onto the Head.

The Parliament will now vote on Head No.


18 and the question is that the amount of Head No.

18 - Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development be approved.

Does any Member oppose the motion?

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion.

Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not voted - - - 29 15 6 There being 29 Ayes, 15 Noes and 6 Not Voted, the motion is agreed to.

Head 18 – Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development, agreed to.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, Honourable Members, I will move onto the next item on the agenda.

We have 10 minutes.

Head 19 – Republic of Fiji Military Forces MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- We are now looking at Programme 1, Activity 1.

Do we have any comments?

Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Thank you, Madam Chair.

Programme 1 Activity 1 SEG 8 - Black Rock Integrated Peacekeeping Centre, I think it has moved up to $2 million.

Last year it was $500,000, why is there an increase?

HON.
HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Thank you, Madam Chair.

That Black Rock Integrated Peacekeeping Centre is work in progress, the development of that centre, not only for peacekeeping but also for HADR and that is why the increase of allocation for this year.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Aseri Radrodro?

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Thank you, Madam Chair.

On the same SEG, SEG 8 - Renovation/Upgrade of RFMF Infrastructure has moved from $350,000 last year to $400,000.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Do you have a comment on that, Honourable Minister?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- SEG 8, Madam Chair, Renovation/Upgrade of RFMF Infrastructure, the Queen Elizabeth Barracks needs upgrading and renovation.

It has been old, so that is why we have this allocation.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- On that, Madam Chair, this $400,000 – is it rollover from last year’s $350,000 allocation or is it a new allocation altogether for this year and last year’s one was separate?
HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Sorry, I did not get that, Honourable Member, can you please repeat your question?

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- The $400,000 that was allocated this year, this is a rollover from last year or is it a totally new allocation?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- It is a new allocation, Madam Chair.

2148 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Just to tell you exactly what this is for.
It is for the repair and upgrade of the QEB Main Kitchen, there is also the RFMF Headquarters at Berkley Crescent to connect it to the main sewage system.

Specifically it is going to that.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Viliame Gavoka.

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- Madam Chair, on the Black Rock, it is work in progress.

Is there any indication how much ultimately it will cost to set up the Training Centre?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Thank you, Madam Chair.


When I visited that Centre late last year, I was told it requires about FJD$32 million.

This, Madam Chair, is not only for peacekeeping, not only for Fiji but also regional peacekeeping and also for HADR.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Did you want clarification, Honourable Gavoka?

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- Any indication of where we are?

Are we half way there or three- quarters way there?

HON.
HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- It is quite a long way but we are also seeking assistance.

We are looking at some development partners if they can help.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Honourable Leader of the Opposition?

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- Madam Chair, this is on SEG 1 - Lodging Allowance.

The clarification I need, Honourable Chair, is that when the Engineering Unit participate in building under the Small Grant Scheme, does this also come into play for them?

HON.
HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Sorry, which SEG is that, Honourable Leader of the Opposition?

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- SEG 1 - Lodging Allowance.

When the Engineering Unit are out rebuilding of schools and other constructions and they are out for for several weeks, does this allowance also pay for them or does it come under some other….

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Yes, this Lodging Allowance is for officers who live outside the camp.

It is not for subsistence.

HON.

J.V.


BAINIMARAMA.- They do not have any allowance as such.

I know what you talking about when they come and build schools in the rural areas.

They put up their own accommodation in that area but they have a field allowance.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- It is Activity 4, SEG 1.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Honourable Ratu Kiliraki?

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- Madam Chair, SEG 8 - Upgrade and Renovation of Armoury.
Last year the allocation was $0.5 million and this year is $250,000 whether this $250,000 was part of the allocation last year or this is a new one.

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Madam Chair, this as I said are continuing the upgrading, $250,000 is for this year which was a new allocation.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Leawere?

HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Last year $310,000 was in for SEG 1 - $310,000 is allocated again for Acting Allowance this year.
Do we still have the same number of those acting in that position in the military?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Madam Chair, that is the same level of allocation from this year to next year and also for those who will be acting from above their substantive posts.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Thank you, Madam Chair.

In SEG 1, there is a Commander’s Allowance of $4,000.

I think last year there was no allocation to that but it is a very small amount.
Can the Minister clarify on that $4,000?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Madam Chair, that is for entertainment.

As you know the Commander has to host dignitaries from other countries and that is the purpose of this allocation.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Ratu Lalabalavu?

HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- Thank you, Madam Chair.

Just some clarification from SEG 1 and SEG 8, the amount of money that is being pumped into the military, how much of it is coming by way of remittances, if there is anything as such?
We are interested to know that.

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Thank you, Madam Chair.

I think that question probably will be better addressed when we come to Head 49 - Peacekeeping.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Aseri Radrodro?

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Thank you, Madam Chair.

On SEG 9, included as part of the Communication Equipment is a Specialised Medical Equipment of $300,000.

Can we get clarification on the type of Specialised Medical Equipment?

HON.
HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Madam Chair, can I ask some assistance from the Honourable Minister of Economy on this item?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- It is essentially to buy medical and dental equipment for the RFMF Health Support to ensure the soldiers are medically fit, they get to regular tests and they have as you know a mini hospital.

It has been the practice for decades and this is essential to ensure that they have the right facilities there.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Semesa Karavaki?

HON.

S.D.
HON.

S.D.

KARAVAKI.

–Thank you, Madam Chair.

Under SEG 7 there is a Basic Recruit Course of $460,000.

Does this cover only one of round of recruitment or there are more than one?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- One.

2150 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.

S.D.

KARAVAKI.- For more rounds - two rounds recruitment?

HON.

J.V.

BAINIMARAMA.- One recruitment.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Any other comments on Programme 1, Activity 1?

Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.


BULITAVU.- Madam Chair, last year with the same amount the Basic Recruit Training the answer was two, for Basic Recruit Course ($460,000) and now there will be only one Basic Recruitment.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, I will answer that.

The allocation can be the same but it depends on the number of personnel because the reason why we had two last year was there was one specific for training school.
They undergo the recruit training but that is the other normal basic because regardless of their core they will always go through the Basic Training Course.

So it depends on the numbers.

You can go with one recruit of 400 people or two recruits of 200 people.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Ratu Kiliraki?

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- Just a last one, Madam Chair.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- SEG 7 - Special Joint Operations for $20,000.

Can you elaborate or clarification on that amount?

HON.
HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Thank you, Madam Chair.

That allocation is for Special Joint Operations between the Military and the Police.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Ratu Suliano?

HON.

RATU S. MATANITOBUA.- Last one, Madam Chair.

On SEG 8 – Completion of the Construction of Magazine ($400,000).

This will be in Suva or to all the camps; Lautoka, Labasa?

Last year it was $500,000, is this a rollover?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- This allocation is for the construction of magazine.
It is for the military, it can be either in Suva or the other two barracks in Labasa or Lautoka.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, Honourable Members.

We will now break for lunch and lunch is provided for Honourable Members in the Big Committee Room.

I also remind all the Chairs and Deputy Chairs of our meeting in the Small Committee Room straight after this.

Parliament is suspended until 2.30 p.m.

The Parliament adjourned at 1.03 p.m.


The Parliament resumed at 2.33 p.m. MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Members, we will continue from where we left off.

We have completed Programme 1, Activity 1, on Page 97 and we will now move on to Programme 1, Activity 2.

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Madam Chairperson, can I have the last one please?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- How many last ones are you going to have?

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- No, that is the one for you.


MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- All right, we will give you the last one.

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

Upgrade of Sukanaivalu Barracks - $270,000.

Last year, it was $410,000 so is this a rollover from last year or what is the total project cost for this and when will this be completed?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

There is a decrease of $140,000.


It is an on-going project, this allocation is sufficient for this coming year.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Just before we carry on, today we will have to go until Head No.

38.

So we really have to be very succinct in the way that we debate this, otherwise, we are going to roll into the night and until morning.

Thank you.

Let us have a look at Programme 1, Activity 2, any comments?

Honourable Aseri Radrodro.

HON.


A.M. RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, on Programme 1, Activity 2, SEG 5 - Messing ($1.9 million).

Can you just clarify on this allocation because last year Messing of $1.9 million was for all ranks and this one is just no ranks and what is this specifically for?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

This allocation of $1.9 million - Messing is for all rations within the camp.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Are there any more comments?

Honourable Bulitavu.

HON.


M.D.

BULITAVU.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson, SEG 8 – Upgrade of Logistic Support Unit Complex (LSU) $300,000.

Last year, it was $350,000 - just a progress into whether any work was done with regards to this allocation?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

This is a continuing project, the Upgrading of Logistic Support Unit Complex (LSU) at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Ratu Suliano?

HON.


RATU S. MATANITOBUA.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

SEG 5 - can the Honourable Minister elaborate on the Warlike Stores ($200,000)?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

SEG 5 - These Warlike Stores keep the equipment or what they use for war and even going into peacekeeping missions.

2152 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.
RATU S. MATANITOBUA.- SEG 5 - Personal Equipment of $1 million, does this mean warlike store?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Madam Chairperson, head to toe kits, uniforms, boots change every three years for each soldiers and it is a recurring allocation every year.

HON.

RATU S. MATANITOBUA.- Is $1 million sufficient or you need an increase?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Madam Chairperson, it is sufficient.

As I said, it is a recurring allocation every year.
Soldiers they change their uniforms, head to toe kit every three years.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Are there any other comments?

There being no other comments, we will move on to the next Programme 1, Activity 3.

Are there any comments?

Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

At SEG 8 - Upgrade of the RFMF Lautoka Camp again, $300,000.

Last year, it was $200,000, when will this project be completed because it is like a rollover; an increase by another $100,000.
Honourable Minister?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

This is like the Sukanaivalu Barracks.

It is upgrading, continuing an allocation of $300,000 for the Duke of Edinburgh Barracks in Lautoka.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being no other comments.

We will move on to the next Programme 1, Activity 4, and I invite comments, if any?

Honourable Viliame Gavoka?

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- Madam Chairperson, SEG 4, there is a maintenance of Trade Training School for the Engineers.
Can it be given the scope of what is on offer here because I asked the question.

There is a lot of equipment throughout the Military, IT and all that.

Where do they obtain their training - the Engineers; is it where they get trained technically, or do they go to the local institutions?

HON.

J.V.

BAINIMARAMA.- In the Military, they also undergo training in institutions in Fiji.

HON.

V.R.
HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- What is the support you provide for them to take up Diplomas or Degrees when they want specified in any field?

HON.

J.V.

BAINIMARAMA.- They have a training programme that ends up with Diplomas and Degrees.

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- So they support in terms of … HON.

J.V.

BAINIMARAMA.- Yes.

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- All right, thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.
HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson, SEG 9 – Purchase of Tools and Equipment for RFMF Engineers at $150,000.

Last year, there was a same allocation; whether the allocated amount last year has been used or whether these particular tools and equipment were really purchased or not because we are having a recurring item here?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

I have been informed that this is an on-going allocation and it has been used every year.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments?

There being no other comments we will move on to the next Programme 1, Activity 5 – Naval Division.

No comments?

Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- SEG 8 on the Patrol Boat Life Extension Programmes.

Which boat are we talking about here, Madam Chairperson?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

This is the Levuka and Lautoka that is ready to go for refit programme.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Ratu Suliano?

HON.


RATU S. MATANITOBUA.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson, on SEG 9 – Purchase of Boat, is this a new boat?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Yes, Madam Chairperson.

Hydrographic boat, a survey motor boat.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Is there any other comment?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

We will move on to Programme 1, Activity 6, I invite comments, if any?

None?

Thank you.

Programme 1, Activity 7, any comments?

Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.


BULITAVU.- On SEG 8, Madam Chairperson, on the Upgrade of FTG Infrastructure $350,000 - is the same allocation last year, whether this is a continuing work or was there any work done last year?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

This is again a continuing work, the accommodation repairs at FTG, ablution blocks and also the dispensary at the FTG.

MADAM SPEAKER.- There being no other comments, Honourable Ratu Kiliraki?

HON.
HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- I am just curious, Madam Chairperson, whether there is any farming expenses in FTG as we used to know?

MADAM SPEAKER.- Which SEG are your referring to?

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- Activity 7, SEGs 1and 3 in relation to whether there is any more farming going on in FTG, can you enlighten, please?

2154 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- No, we are only discussing what is there in the document right now and nothing new.
If it is not in this plan, then it is not in the plan and we are not going to discuss that.

Any other comments?

There being no other comments, we will move on to the next programme - Programme 1, Activity 8.

Sorry, Honourable Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.

HON.

RATU N. T. LALABALAVU.- Just some clarifications, Madam Chair, SEG 3, Programme 1, Activity on the Travel and Subsistence.

In view of the role of the training camp in undertaking cadets training in schools, how does this cost relate to that activity?
Do they get reimbursed by the Ministry of Education because it is a very important training?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

My understanding is that this is for officers as they move around to conduct trainings in schools; travel and subsistence.

Travel ($10,000) and Subsistence ($8,000).

My understanding, Madam Chairperson, is that it is taken care of by the RFMF.

HON.

RATU N. T. LALABALAVU.- It seems that cadetship training is on the rise now.
It is getting more schools interested and will this be enough to take care of that, for the additional schools?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Madam Chairperson, at the moment this allocation is sufficient.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being no other comments, we will move on to the next Programme – Programme 1, Activity 8 and I invite comments, if any.

Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Yes, SEG 1.

Madam Chairperson in regards to acting allowance, what is the explanation there?
When will these acting appointments be confirmed and how many are receiving the acting allowance as per rank?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Madam Chairperson, the acting allowance is, if one of the officers is posted, someone comes up to act in that post, this is what the acting allowance is for.

Maybe the Honourable Minister on my left here can explain.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chairperson, acting allowance, particularly with peacekeeping nations, the post holders are away for a year.
So, when they are away on peacekeeping missions (peacekeeping has a different allocation altogether), that post in Fiji becomes vacant and it is for the people who are here locally.

Now with the RFMF, so that the numbers are stable, they are sourcing from the Reserves and the Territorial Force members to fill in for one year.

So when the post holder returns, they then go back to their respective posts, so that is where most of these acting allowances are for.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being no other comments, we move on to Programme 1, Activity 9 –Hydrographic Unit.

I invite comments if any?

If there is none, thank you very much.

Parliament will now vote on Head No.

19.

The question is; That the amount on Head No.

19, Republic of Fiji Military Forces be approved.

Does any Member oppose the motion?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion.
Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not Voted - - - 29 12 9 There being 29 Ayes, 12 Noes and 9 Not Voted, the motion is agreed to.

Head 19 – Republic of Fiji Military Forces agreed to.

We will move on to the next item on the Agenda.

Head No 20 - Fiji Police Force MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Head No.

20, the floor is now open for any comments and we are looking at Programme 1- Activity 1.

I invite comments, if any?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.


Just on SEG 8 on the Construction of New Police Community Posts ($580,000).

How many Community New Police Posts will be constructed?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Construction of New Police Community Posts, Madam Chairperson, the Police Commissioner just made an announcement, (I cannot recall) but I think it is in Kubulau and some parts of Viti Levu, where these police posts will be built.

HON.
HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- If I can also assist the Honourable Minister, there is a new police post marked for Natewa and land acquisition for Natovi.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Dulakiverata?

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Activity 1, SEG 1 - the increase in the emolument by $216, 620.

How many new police officers will be recruited this year?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- This obviously takes into account the salary change too, it is not just about new police post position.
Salary adjustment overall is about $15 million to $16 million.

So, you will see SEG 1 and all the different programmes and activities, you will see the amounts going up, in all of them.

This is primarily to take care of the salary adjustment.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Prem Singh?

2156 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.

P. SINGH.- Madam Chairperson, on SEG 9 - the allocation of $180,000 for the Upgrade of Criminal Records Information System.
Is it the same database that was launched by Fiji Police with SPC for the GIS crimes database last November or is it a separate, or new one?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Just to assist; the $180,000 is to upgrade the CRIS, it contains offenders bio-data to improve access, receive and retrieval and also to provide real time results for police investigations and for Police Clearances by the Criminal Record Office (CRO).

The project involves procurement of IT hardware and software.
Stage 1 is planning analysis design ($95,000); Stage 2- development of database ($25,000); Stage 3 - operations, maintenance and evaluation ($7,000) and $63,000 for the procurement of hardware application server DB backup server, desktop PC and network peripherals; that makes up the $180,000.

This is our own initiative and that is what we are doing.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

I now invite the Honourable Leader of Opposition.

HON.

RO T.V.
HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- Madam Chairperson, SEG 8 on the New Police Community Posts.

In terms of the Koronivia one that has closed because of the increasing population around that area, the construction of the road and many other activities.

Who will look after that area when that community post is closed - around the Koronivia Road at the back?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.


I have been informed that the Police is looking at another site to secure because unfortunately in the past, the police posts when they were built, there was no lease agreement of land, so now they are regularising that and they make sure that when they get land, just make sure it is leased.

So now they are looking at a new piece of land.

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- Will that land be around that same area?

HON.

RATU.
HON.

RATU.

I. KUBUABOLA.- My understanding is that it should be around the same area - along that corridor.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Just to add on to provide the clarification.

The Commissioner of Police, together with the …are also carrying out assessments of where there is a need to have police posts.
So the population movements are taking place, proper research are taking place so there is a new need to be able to look at from fresh eyes as to where these police post needs to be, based on population movements.

For example, there were several places like Suva Point, the police post only came about because all the former Prime Ministers live there but Suva Point of course can be serviced by there is a police post down the road at My Suva Park, there is also police in Raiwaqa so that is quite nearby.
There is also a police post at flagstaff this is the kind of rationalisation that taking is taking place but as you would have seen in the media there is a new police post that has opened in Cunningham.

Cunningham is a very heavily populated area so they put one there because there is a need for it, so that is the kind of thing that is taking place at the moment.

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- There is a budding increase in population because of the various cities that are coming up in that area.
There is Nadawa, Waila and around that area people are moving in so the local population have been concerned about the closure and we were wondering as to where it is going to be built, and how soon will that be up?

Thank you.

HON.
Thank you.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- There is a Police Station coming up in Nakasi, where the Fiji Meat Industry board is, that land as you know there is a new health centre, new police station, new fire station coming up in that area and given the fact that we now also given more than over 100 vehicles to the Police and more are coming along, and we have vehicles that actually transports them.
So that is the kind of rationalisation also that is taking place, given the fact that they are now able to be a lot more mobile.. MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- I now give the floor to the Honourable Ratu Kiliraki.

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- I have a motion to increase, Madam Chair, Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 5 – Crime Prevention Strategy to increase by $480,000.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

You can fill in the form.

Any other comments?

Honourable Prem Singh.

HON.


P. SINGH.- Coming back to the community post, I take the point responded to by Honourable Minister for Economy, this $580,000 allocations are for new posts.

There were some existing within the densely populated areas which have been abandoned or removed, would they also be taken care of in this allocation, or is this allocation enough to attend to that?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Are you asking about maintenance of existing polices post?

HON.
HON.

P. SINGH.- No, the existing police posts in some of the densely populated areas be taken away, they are no longer there.

Does this allocation include to return them to the old areas?

HON.
HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Not necessarily, but as the name suggests, new police posts, but as I mentioned to the Honourable Leader of Opposition that there may be new facilities being built in other places but the ability to respond to any criminal activity there is greatly en heightened now because of the fact that the police have a lot more mobility and so there need to be more strategic about that from that prospective.
Otherwise, you will have to put a police post or police station everywhere there is 50 homes, we cannot do that, that is not cost effective.

What it means also is that we are sending out our resources.
The idea in the police is strategically monitoring this with the new Commissioner of Police to be quite strategic to ensure that their ability to respond is greatly en heightened that cannot of course be brought about by in the way they buy new walkie-talkie or buy new police vehicles where they have new and better ways of detecting and having better intelligence.

That is a better way to deal with the situation as oppose do simply putting up structures.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Dulakiverata.

HON.


J. DULAKIVERATA.- Activity 1, SEG 1 - most of the allowances they are very specific but can the Honourable Minister explain what is extra duty allowance $166,605?

HON.

RATU.

I. KUBUABOLA.- Madam Chair, the extra duty allowance is 12.5 percent of annual salary for all regular police officers according to the Police Act Cap 85, any change in the salary will affect the extra duty allowance.

HON.

V.R.
HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- SEG 9; there are two allocations there related to forensic work, one is the bio and the DNA lab $660,000 and the forensic chemistry at $400,000.

We welcome the developments of forensic within the Police Force that we do not have to send things abroad, can you give me a rundown of what the capabilities are now in terms of forensic and pathology and all that?

2158 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- You want to increase the allocation?

HON.

V.R.
HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- Let us just say, what do we still send overseas, abroad?

HON.

RATU.

I. KUBUABOLA.- This allocation is for the procurement of quality assurance systems for the Bio and DNA lab.

The upgrading of IT database, purchase of a laboratory refrigerator, the warranties and servicing of technical equipment with further training funds for scientific officers.

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- So we can do majority of the forensic work with our police force in Fiji.
I mean ultimately we need to be self-sufficient, where are we?

HON.

RATU.

I. KUBUABOLA.- Madam Chair, I am responding to the question regarding the allocation that has been given on the quality assurance systems for the forensic Bio and DNA laboratories.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Aseri Radrodro.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- On SEG 8 ,Programme 1, Activity 1 maintenance of MV Veiqaravi, $520,000.
Last year, there was allocation for a new vessel, can you just advise us on the logic behind this maintenance of the new vessel and MV Veiqaravi?

HON.

RATU.

I. KUBUABOLA.- This MV Veiqaravi, as you know it was a boat that was donated by the Australian Government and it is right now at Lami.

It is being used by police and the $523,100 is for its maintenance.
SEG 9, Madam Chair, there is a new expenditure line there, upgrade automated licence plate recognition of $100,000 and the work on the upgrading of the Criminal Records Information System Database of $180,000.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- What is your question?

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Can we have some clarity on the allocation of these expenditures?

HON.
HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Automated Licence Plate Recognition is at the allocation that the Honourable Member is asking ($100,000) that, Madam Speaker, is set up for an Automated License Operated System and installed CCTV cameras in public areas in major urban centres around Fiji to improve crime response time.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being no other question.

Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Thank you Madam Chair, on SEG.

8 - Construction of Nakasi Police Station for $1million.
What phase of work are we talking about in this allocation, given that last year, the same allocation was given $900,000 - real construction or just….

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- We do not have any false construction in the budget, we have real construction, but as you know, we have to actually purchase the land from Fiji Meat and Industry Board because it has got its own accounts.
So, just as Ministry of Health had to purchase the land from FMIB so the ground work has been done and the construction work will actually start in this financial year.

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- On SEG.

7 - Madam Chair, is Pacific Commissioners Conference ($100,000), is this the total cost or the others paying something towards this conference?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- On SEG.

7 - Commander’s Conference, is that the one Honourable Member?

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Pacific Commissioners Conference.

HON.
HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- The Police Commissioners’ Conference.

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Yes HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- This Conference is sometimes held in Fiji to be hosted by the Commissioner around the Pacific and this is the allocation for such conferences.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Ratu Suliano Matanitobua?

HON.

RATU S. MATANITOBUA.- Honourable Madam Chair, Honourable Minister, SEG.

7 Women in Policing.

We had $20,000 last year and another$20,000 in this budget.

HON.
HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- SEG.

7?

HON.

RATU S. MATANITOBUA.- Yes, Women Policing.

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Yes, that is an on-going allocation, Madam Speaker.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Ratu Suliano; you want an increase?

Honourable Dulakiverata?

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Chair on SEG.

6 - Interpol ($90,000), so what is this?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Thank you, Madam Chair, this is the Fiji Police Force Annual Membership fee to the Interpol.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Bulitavu.

HON.

M.D.
HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Thank you, Madam Chair, just on the SEG.

8 - Construction of the Lautoka Police Station - at what stage of work of work have we reached, given that this is just a repeat allocation from last year?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Which SEG is that Honourable Member?

HON.

RATU S. MATANITOBUA.- SEG.

8.

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- SEG.

8.

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- SEG.

8, Honourable Minister, the Construction of the Lautoka Police Station.
2160 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Yes, thank you, Madam Chairperson.

This allocation, same as last year, to fund the completion of the designed scoping kind of process and preliminary construction works for the new Lautoka Police Station with additional funding to be provided in the financial year of 2018 to 2019, and we were to complete the project by then - 2018 to 2019.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- We have one loud mobile phone that keeps ringing from the other side, please ensure that the phone is turned down, Honourable Vunivalu.

Any other comments?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Yes Madam, just the Upgrade and Replacement of Living Quarters at $800,000, is it for the whole of Fiji, or just specific area?

SEG.

8 - Upgrade and Replacement of Living Quarters.

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- That is for the whole of Fiji, Madam Speaker.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Bulitavu, just the interest because there are so many questions coming and I do not know whether it is relevant to the work that we are doing.

Please ask the question to justify whether you want an increase or decrease, otherwise we will questioning all these.

Any other question please?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- None.

We will move on to the next one: Programme 1 – Fiji Police, Activity 2 – Criminal Investigation Department.

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.
HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Programme 1- Fiji Police, Activity 3 – National Intelligence Bureau HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Programme 1 – Fiji Police, Activity 4 – Southern Division.

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Programme 1 – Fiji Police, Activity 5 – Eastern Division.

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Programme 1 – Fiji Police, Activity 6 – Western Division.

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Programme 1 – Fiji Police, Activity 7 – Northern Division.
HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Yes, SEG.

4.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Move on?

Programme 1 – Fiji Police, Activity 8 – Police Special Response Unit.

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Bulitavu.

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- On SEG.

5 on Training ($30,000) for the Police Special Response Unit, Honourable Minister?

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Which SEG.?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Programme 1, Activity 8, SEG.

5 – Training ($30,000).

HON.


RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- That is what it means, Madam Chair, training for our officers in the Police Special Response Unit ($30,000) allocation.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Programme 1 – Fiji Police, Activity 9 – Support Services.

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being no other questions and will come down to motions.

We have a motion by the Honourable Kiliraki, to move that Head 20 be increased by $480,000 in Programme 1 SEG.
5 with respect to Crime Prevention Strategy ($160,000).

Do we have a seconder?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- No seconder.

(Laughter) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you Honourable Kiliraki, you may speak on your motion.

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- Thank you Madam Chair.

This is in regards to operations in the Crime Prevention Strategy.
When you think of the increased crime, whilst we have 34 police stations and 89 community posts all over Fiji and that allocation is translated to $6.37 per policemen, per day, or just over $3 per station, including the community post which really is too small to be able to operate efficiently in regards to crime prevention so that is why this motion is proposing a $480,000 increase, which is about three times the amount to be able to enhance or strengthen financially the operational capabilities of the police force, especially in the crime prevention on various posts around Fiji.
Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Any other comment on that?

HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- Madam Chairperson, I would also like to support this motion for an increase in the current prevention strategy, simply because as a traditional leader, we 2162 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 the vanua, have been kind of blamed that we have not been taking much action in trying to curb this crime prevention, especially on marijuana.
I have been informed that they are building a new police station now in Natewa and simply because marijuana growing is very rife in the Tunuloa, Cakaudrove areas.

We have made several decisions, very harsh ones, Madam Chairperson, to get them moved out from our tikina but will that solve the problem I really do not know.

We have been again asked by the law enforcers not to take the law into our own hands.
So, I like this unit within the police force that goes around showing pictures of the effect of people consuming marijuana, and I think that needs a very aggressive and vigorous programme because the Minister for Youth has gone around.

We have the blue campaign by the police force in trying to get children to be part of the blue programme.

We have the cadetship training, training all to enforce discipline and with the vanua.
I have also made our decision, but we have been told not to take the law into our own hands.

So, the support for this increase is very much warranted here, Madam Chairperson, because $160,000 is not that much and there is a need to increase because we build police posts, I really do not know, is that being able to curb the problem?.

Are we still on increase, Madam Chairperson?


Even in my village I am so embarrassed to say this but this programme is very important for us and we would like to support the police here in ensuring that we try and reduce or alleviate crime.

Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Before we ask for a response, Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.


I think Madam Chairperson if you look at this Head from the first programme to the last programme, I think from the first Activity to the last one, you will see that it is just allowance, capital projects and even buying of equipment, only one activity which is where the motion is coming from is talking about crime prevention.
Even if you go to the divisions: Eastern and Northern, you will just see the communication costs, incidental, there is nothing even allocated for each division and probably this $160,000 is for the whole of Fiji and I support the motion given there is no other funds available in all other police divisions to allow for crime prevention programmes and all other programmes to reduce the crime rate.
That is why I support this particular motion, given that it is the only item in this whole Head that will create community awareness, build community relationship and also they will allow the community to participate with the police in trying to combat the crime and also to educate our people on how criminals are getting smarter and how they can have the confidence of the police in trying to help the police and regards new developments and new landscapes of crimes that are arising.
That is why I support this, Madam Chairperson.

As I have said, we were holding much of our time in Activity 1, given that, that is the only activity that caught all these, the other activities have got nothing to do with the crime prevention, just for the force itself.

Thank you Madam Speaker.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Do you have any other input?

Honourable Vadei?

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- Thank you Madam Chairperson.


We need to support the empowerment of these enforcement officers because criminals are more smarter nowadays and we need to empower enforcement unit in our communities to monitor and provide surveillance, not only on our two major islands, but maritime islands in terms of transportation of illegal activities and fishing illegally in our maritime waters also.

I support the motion.

Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments?


There being none, I invite the Honourable Minister for National Security and Defence to respond please, before we put this to the vote.

HON.

RATU I. KUBUABOLA.- Thank you Madam Chairperson.


As I have mentioned yesterday or day before that crime prevention or fighting crime is the responsibility of everyone, not only for the police, it is government, churches, traditional leaders, Members of Parliament, families, so I do not see any need for the increase of this allocation.

I will just ask Honourable Members on both sides for us to help the police and I thank the Honourable Members who have spoken that they said that they will help the police.
So, let us help the police to do their work and I am glad to hear that the Tui Cakau is doing something in Cakaudrove but let us do whatever we can in our different locations to help the police; totally, make sure to help the police.

Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you and we will now vote on this motion that Head 20 be increased by $480,000 in Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 5 with respect to crime prevention strategy.

Does anyone oppose the motion?


(Chorus of Ayes and Noes) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion.

Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not voted - - - 12 31 7 There being 12 Ayes, 31 Noes and 7 Not Voted, the motion is defeated.

Honourable Members we will now vote on Head No.

20.

The question is; That the amount on Head No.

20, Fiji Police Force be approved.

HON.


MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion.

Votes Cast: Ayes Noes Not voted - - - 29 13 8 There being 29 Ayes, 13 Ayes and 8 Not Voted, the motion is agreed to.

Head 20 - Fiji Police Force, agreed to.

2164 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 Thank you Honourable Members we will move on to the next item on the Agenda.
Head 21 - Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Head No.

21 – Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts is now open for comments.

We will invite comments on Programme 1, Activity 1.

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Madam Chairperson, on SEG 7, there is an item there Renewal of Lease Premium - $50,000.

I understand that this always comes under the Ministry of Lands allocation - the leasing of land to the State.

Can we have some clarifications on this?

HON.


DR. M. REDDY.- Madam Chairperson, when the lease for school land are up for renewal, the Ministry pays this one off but the school pays rent annually, so this provision is for that.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Honourable Parmod Chand?

HON.

P. CHAND.- Madam Chair, Head 21 Programme 1, Activity 1, can we please have clarification on SEG 9 which is for the purchase of boat and outboard motor engine for schools, that is $450,000.
According to the 2015 Auditor General’s Report, this became an audit query because the Ministry did not call for tenders for 12 fibre glass boats and purchase of outboard engines.

Can the Honourable Minister assure us that he takes responsibility so that this is not repeated in the next set of Auditor General’s Report?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

The issue does not come under what we are doing.

We are doing increase or decrease or remove and that question does not answer that.
Any other comments please, Honourable Mikaele Leawere?

HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Thank you, Chair, just on SEG 7, I note that this early childhood education forum and then we have an education forum, and if I may go further, you will see SEG 5, Programme 2, Activity 1, we have an education forum as well there of $70,000.

Could we have some clarification on that?

HON.

DR M. REDDY.- Madam Chair, the education forum is by legislation people who are members of the education forum,.
For by legislation, Education Act, we need to have an education forum once a year.

The ECE - that allocation we had requested the Ministry of Economy to provide an allocation so that we can have an ECE conference or a symposium every once in two years.

We had one last year and we are looking at the ministry having one next year, so once in every two years.

The Education Day is the international day for education and that is a small allocation for the ministry to observe that particular day.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Mikaele Leawere.

HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Yes, just further to that, just going through the Act, I cannot find any Early Childhood Education forum because in the Act, there is similar to that kind of Education Forum should be conducted and this is a good move, but as long as it is legislated that is how I am ….

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Madam Chair, you do not actually have to have a legislation to force you to have a forum, you can have a forum on your own initiative.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you for that initiative.

HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Clarification on the building rent on SEG 10 - Resilience School Programme of $2 million - what is that grant for non-government schools?

HON.

DR M. REDDY.- Madam Chair, if the Honourable Member was listening when I spoke I gave the list of schools which was subject to landslides so that time there were no provision.

So the provision has been made to and look after those schools, I gave the list of schools.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Gavoka.

HON.

V.R GAVOKA.- Yes, SEG 10, there is $850,000 for Sigatoka Methodist College, what is the scope of this?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- If I could answer that, the Methodist Church gave us some land in Kulukulu for the relocation of the secondary school complex because it was burnt down but the geo-tech studies proved that it could not actually handle a double-storey building or building with that type of weight.

So the project actually got stalled.


So what this will do is essentially is to provide for the construction of a 1x4 4 temporary school building to immediately address the overcrowding.

Recently, we were there at the site in fact the team went out just about a week and a half before the budget 2017-2018 ($885,000) is for the demolition of existing damaged buildings and construction of temporary 1x 4 wooden classroom to address the overcrowding.
So there is for the long-term we are looking at whether we could put a two or three storey building on the current sites because there is no other space available, so we may need to go up.

But again the geo-tech studies need to be carried out because it is close to the river bank; whether that type of soil can handle a two or three storey building, those are the kind of work that needs to be done, but this is to provide a temporary relief.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Ratu Kiliraki.

HON.
HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- SEG 10, Madam Chairperson, Completion of the new Bau Central College ($1,287,508); whether this college will be finished as soon as possible because the purchase of furniture on SEG 9, there is an allocation for the purchase of equipment for the same college whilst we still have that Bau Central College to be completed.

So can the clarification on how those two will apply?

Thank you.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Thank you, Madam Chair.


Yes, it will be utilised on furniture because the building is expected to be completed within this financial year and they will immediately need the equipment.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There be no further comments, we will move on to the next programme, Programme 1, Activity 2.

Honourable Bulitavu.

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Madam, on SEG 9 - Rehabilitation – purchase of furniture for damaged schools.

How many schools Honourable Minister for that $676, 400?
2166 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- How many schools for cyclone rehabilitation?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Yes, that is funded here.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- There is purchase of furniture for damaged schools, there are 22 schools, boarding facilities for primary schools there are 14 schools and that is what it is applicable for.

So it is altogether the $415,000, we have a list of all schools.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Ratu Kiliraki?

HON.
HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- Chair, SEG 8 - can I move a motion to increase by another $1 million?… MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Fill a form, please.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- What for?

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- Maintenance and upgrade of schools and institutional quarters … MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- You got a form there?

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAAKI.- Coming, Chair.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments?

HON.

M.R.
HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Last year there were some allocations of the Digital Education Programme, I cannot find any here - has it been taken out?

The Digital Education Programme, it is somewhere because I need someone that can enlighten us on that.

This is in regards to assistance in terms of laptops and the support given to Year 12 secondary school students.

Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- If the allocation is not in this plan, then we cannot discuss it.
There be no other comments, can we have Honourable Dulakiverata?

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- SEG 9, Madam Chair, purchase of boat and outboard motor engine for schools.

Last year was $285,000, this year you budgeted $450,000.

So how many schools will be assisted?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- We have discussed this already.

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- No… MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- $450, 000 we have discussed it… HON.
DR M. REDDY.- Madam Chair, the full list is given in this supplement, they should read the supplement as well, the full list of schools.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- The Honourable Reddy makes a very good point.

The Supplement carries a lot of details, plus I urge Honourable Members to also refer to these flyers that we gave out.

You would have received two packets of these with a number of details you can read it, was all available outside on the day of the Budget and all of these was available.
For example, the water carting, but if you had bought Monday’s Fiji Sun it was in there too, the water carting, the Water Authority of Fiji and all the details are in that.

It exactly has the details of where the water tanks are going, which works are being done, which roads are being built, all of the details are in these two packages.

They are available to the public and also on the website of the Ministry of Economy.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Parmod Chand.

HON.


P. CHAND.- What the Honourable and learned Attorney-General is saying is that, indeed on the day of the announcement of the Budget, all those books and everything should have been given to us.

Some of us come from the other islands and we go away, we do not know because immediately after that, we were invited for tea.

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of interjections) HON.

P. CHAND.- We should be informed.


We cannot be dreaming where things are, it is very, very important.

We should be told that something is there.

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of interjections) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Members, let us come back to what we are discussing.

Any comments on this?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- The Honourable Parmod Chand “needs to keep it in his pants”.
The fact of the matter is, that we had given the Estimates, we had given you the Supplements, so those have all the details that Honourable Mahendra Reddy has just referred to and these were also available.

As I announced in my Budget speech, if you would have listened to the speech, it was in the Budget speech.

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Inaudible interjections) HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Listen to me!

Listen to me!

Listen to me!

HON.

MEMBES.- (Chorus of interjections) HON.


A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- You make allegations, let me answer that.

Keep it!

It was announced in the Budget speech that it is available.

It was outside, the Parliamentary staff and the Ministry of Economy staff who were outside this building, it was on the table, it was available there.

We had also said in the Budget speech; you go to the Ministry of Economy website, I gave the actual website, the portal address, it is there too.
It was available, I also had announced that it would also be available in the Fiji Sun which it was, and legally, we are not required to give this to you but we did, in the interest of transparency so you can get all the details so that when you come here, we have a meaningful debate.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments on this Activity 1, Programme 1?

We will now move on to Programme 1, Activity 2, any comments, if any?

If there are no questions, then we will move on to Programme 2, Activity 1?
2168 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.

A.T. VADEI.- Madam Chairperson, I am still in Programme 1, Activity 1.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- No, Programme 2, Activity 1.

Honourable Prem Singh.

HON.


P. SINGH.- Madam Chair, Programme 2, Activity 1, SEG 6 which is the Salary Grant for Early Childhood Education Teachers ($8,774,532); can the Minister, please, advise whether this increase of about $2 million is adequate for increased number of Early Childhood Teachers for a full working day and not a four-hour working day?

HON.
HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Madam Chair, they do not work for full day, they work for four hours, that is how the sessions are, and that is how the payments were made.

The increment is to allow for new schools that will come up and new teachers that will be required to be given salary as well as the grant.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Just ask something new because that particular question was discussed in one of our sittings.
All that information was given to you, please, do not ask questions on issues that have already been tabulated in Parliament.

HON.

P. SINGH.- Some of the issues arose out of this Budget Estimates.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Madam Chair, if I could assist.

The Estimates were actually given to the Members of Parliament when the Budget was delivered, so they should have been studying it.
This is why, by law, we are required to have, at least, one weeks’ break from the time the Budget is delivered to the debate so you go through the Estimates and then if you have issues arising from the Estimates, issues like you said as opposed to the figures, you address it in your Budget address in your response, not on the day itself.

The day today is about the actual figures, whether you want it up and down.

HON.
HON.

P. SINGH.- This is why I am saying, I would like to move a motion without notice and that section is under Standing Order 100(2) that Head 21-2-1(6) be increased to $15 million in respect of Salary Grant for Early Childhood Education for teachers.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- On what basis?

Why?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- This is the justification.

HON.

P. SINGH.- It is a motion, I will give you my reasons, my motion, when I speak on the motion.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments?

HON.


MEMBERS.- (Chorus of interjections) HON.

P. CHAND.- I second the motion.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- I am not asking for a seconder, I am asking for comments and that will come later when it is time to debate the motion, then I will ask for a seconder.

Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Madam Chair, SEG 10, with regards to the Building Grant - Nailou Infant School.
This is the same amount that was given last year, was there any work undertaken last year, in last year’s allocation?

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Madam Chair, this is for the completion of the 1x3 timber classroom and 2x2 timber teachers’ quarters and 1x7 ablution block in Vanua Levu.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- The allocation last year?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- The reason why there was a delay was because when we called for the tenders, we only received one single bid, so we had to readvertise it.

HON.
HON.

MEMBERS.- (Inaudible interjections) HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- If we had only one bid, then you would say, why did you get only one bid?

So, we had to create transparency.

This is what we are doing.

You need to understand this.


The point we made is that, there is a lot of construction companies that are completely occupied and a lot of them actually now you will find only one single bid, if you do the assessment, they are like three times the cost of the actual construction, so we are just hoping to get it because there is a shortage of construction companies.

So we sometimes have to slow it down in order to get a maximum return on our dollar.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Any further questions?


Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Madam Chair, on SEG 9 – Primary School Water Tanks, I think there is a significant increase from $80,000 to $277,000 this year.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- You want this reduced, Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- I want to know the reason for the big increase and I will see whether I will move a motion or not.

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Madam Chair, ECE is also attached to primary schools and we have got over 700 primary schools.
We are now looking at ensuring that we do not have any shut- down in classes due to water shortage or a lack of water in the schools, that is why.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Madam Chair, there are 173 schools that are actually getting these water tanks.

Some of them, of course, act as evacuation centres too during disasters.

Some of them are getting two, three water tanks.


We are going as far as Rotuma, Cakaudrove (which I know the Honourable Member is always interested in), Bua, Macuata, Rakiraki, Nadroga and Navosa, Lomaiviti, Lau has got quite a lot.

Honourable Radrodro is always talking about Lau, Nausori, like I said Rotuma, Suva and Kadavu also.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Leawere!

HON.

M.R.
HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Madam Chair, just some clarification on SEG 1 before I will move a motion or SEG 5, but in SEG 1 in terms of the Executive Teacher Allowance (ETA) which is about $986,000, do you have a figure to that number or can you supply it later, especially of the ETA?

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- All the 60 schools, because they do not have AST, so they have Executive teachers.

All the 60 schools.

2170 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.
Any other comments?

HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Madam Chair, I would like to move a motion on SEG 5 that the Free Milk Programme be left out of Head 21 in respect of Programme 2, Activity 1, SEG 5, Madam Chair.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Any more comments?

There being no other comments, Honourable Aseri Radrodro?

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Thank you Madam, Chair.

On Programme 2 Activity 1 SEG 8, Cyclone Rehabilitation - Boarding Facilities for Primary Schools ($415,000).
I am trying to look at the Supplementary there is no listing of which particular boarding facilities are involved in this cyclone rehabilitation.

Can we get an idea or whereabouts are they before I move my motion for an increase?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- There are 14 schools:      Ba and Tavua – three schools Lautoka, Nadi and Yasawa – three schools Nadroga/Navosa – four schools Nausori – four schools Suva – two schools HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Can I move a motion on that one to increase?
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Fill the form, please.

Any other comments?

No, we will move on to the next Programme - Programme 2, Activity 2; do you have any comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

We will move on to Programme 2, Activity 3; any comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Programme 2, Activity 4; Any comments?

Honourable Leawere?

HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Madam Chair, just those Assistive Devices.

Can we have some clarification on these assistive devices?
I know about the Books.

No, there are others apart from Braille.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Dr. Mahendra Reddy.

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Madam Chair, these helpers are basically for special schools.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- For special schools.

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Madam Chair, if the Honourable Member had listened to my speech there was a new device called `Learning Develop’ - that includes purchase of that.

HON.

M.R.
HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Madam Chair, I would like to move a motion to this effect in order to increase that $3,000 on SEG 5 - Activity 4, Programme 2.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being no other comments, we will move onto next Programme 3 Activity 1.

Any comments?

Thank you.

Programme 3, Activity 2.

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Programme 3 Activity 3.

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Programme 4 Activity 1.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- On Programme 3 Activity 2.


MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Programme 4 Activity 1.

Any comments?

Honourable Vadei.

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- On Programme 4 Activity 1 SEG 5 Literacy and Numeracy Training ($500,000).

I just want to move a motion on that, I just need clarity on whether they will be supplying the IT bags to children?

HON.
HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Chair, we have taken over the Literacy and Numeracy Programme from AQEP and that allocation is to run dedicated workshops for the lower Primary school teachers.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being no other comments on that, we will move on to Programme 4 Activity 2.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Just a clarification on Programme 4, Activity 2, Printing of Text Books ($1.6 million) – that was a reduction from the last financial year.
Could we have an explanation on the reduction in printing of textbooks?

Will the textbooks be printed be the responsibility of the schools now?

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- No.

Chair, the Ministry already has in store the textbooks for next year.

Now there was a massive allocation so all text books have been printed for next year and it is only 10, 15 percent that needs to be replaced because these are the text books that are not returned by students or are damaged.

The rest of the textbooks are re-circulated.


Now secondly, the Ministry cannot print textbooks ahead for another two or three years because textbooks need to be updated.

So this allocation is to only print Year 13 textbooks because Year 13 textbooks are now developed.

The idea is to print the text books to push into the schools next year.

So these are only for Year 13 textbooks, the others are all old in stock.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Leawere.


2172 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Just a clarification on that.

In terms of the printing of text books, are they going to be done there at ERC or is it going to be sourced out?

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- It is procurement.

Ministry of Economy’s Procurement Section is dealing with the tender and sourcing out.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Aseri Radrodro?.

HON.
HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Madam, just clarity in terms of additional text books.

Are they going to be certified text books through the CDU, or how are the text books being certified?

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Of course, the Curriculum Section is the one which is developing the text books.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Programme 4, Activity 3.

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Programme 5, Activity1.

HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Madam Chair, School Broadcast Programme ($60,000) SEG 5.
I would like an increase by way of a motion.

Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Fill the form.

Any other comments?

No.

Programme 5 Activity 2.

Honourable Salote Radrodro.

HON.

S.V.

RADRODRO.- Thank you Madam Chair.

I would like to move a motion on SEG 5 - Careers Information Materials, Publications and Periodicals to be increased by $204,135 and also Careers Expo to be increased by $480,000.

Thank you Madam Chair.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Fill the form please.

Any further comments on that?


HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

Thank you.

We will move on to Programme 5 Activity 3.

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Programme 6, Activity 1.

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Programme 7, Activity 1.

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Programme 8 Activity 1.

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

Honourable Aseri Radrodro.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Madam Chair, just clarification in terms of Examination Expenses in SEG 5 Programme 8 Activity 1 ($2.2 million).
Can we get some clarification on this Examination Expenses because Examination Papers are separately shown as $550,000 and Security Services?

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Madam Chair, this allocation is for payment of external examiners who mark all the papers.

The papers are not marked by Curriculum Officers, there are senior Examiners but the papers are marked by teachers and they need to be paid.

HON.
HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- On that answer, Madam Chair, teachers outside of the teaching category and where are they from, they are from the school system.

They mark but they do not know whose scripts are those.

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Booked under the school system.

They mark but they do not know whose scripts are those, it is the student numbers.

HON.

A. SAYED- KHAIYUM.- They are actually paid money for this to mark the exams on top of their normal salary.

HON.

MEMBER.- Yes.
HON.

MEMBER.- Yes.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments?

Programme 9, Activity 1.

Honourable Bulitavu.

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Yes Madam, on SEG 7, the Levuka World Heritage Listing ($175,000).

I think it was same last year.

What activities are involved there, Honourable Minister?

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Madam Chair, the Fiji Heritage Foundation is a trust fund initiative invested to facilitate the future assistance towards built heritage in the country that needs to be conserved and maintained.
Because it is a very expensive exercise and also the increase in heritage conscious of people, the trust fund will try to provide partial assistance to these conservation projects.

The secretariat was established in 2012 and is based with the National Trust of Fiji and the grant is meant for the operation and administration of the secretariat of the Fiji Heritage Foundation.

So it is the secretariats expenses.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Radrodro.

HON.


A.M. RADRODRO.- Madam Chair on SEG 7, there is a Cultural Statistics Framework and Audit ($150,000).

This is the same allocation from last year.

Can we get an update where we are up to in terms of work that was done last year and the same allocation was given this year?

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Yes.

This is not a one-off project.

It is an ongoing thing.


It includes the implementation of pilot for alternative wellbeing indicators project which is a Melanesian Spearhead Group initiative and the staff there works closely with Bureau of Statistics as well.

So, it also requires equipment and consultants to develop the Fiji Statistics Framework.

2174 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Ratu Suliano Matanitobua.

HON.

RATU S. MATANITOBUA.- Thank you Madam Chair.

SEG 10.
SEG 10.

Renovation of Thurston Garden ($698,950) Is this an ongoing project?

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Come again.

HON.

RATU S. MATANITOBUA.- Renovation of Thurston Garden.

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Yes.

It is an ongoing programme.

Last year, this year there was an allocation for looking at the frontage.

So the renovation is an ongoing project.

It is still going on project.

HON.


A. SAYED- KHAIYUM.- Just to give further details on that as far as the construction side of it, in this financial year, the 698,950 would be used for the in ground validation lines to be installed as you know it is very soggy.

Storm water drains to be installed.

Water Front Park and also there is also the second component, which is their lighting design and installation in the park itself.
And as we said earlier on too that entire area leading up to His Excellency’s residence, in the front we are putting footpaths and all of that.

The garden itself obviously is very much water-clogged and if you see it, it is below the road level.

That is one of the problems with it too.

As Albert Park was lifted up, so will this require some restructuring to ensure that does not clog up with water?

In fact, it is below sea level in certain places.

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- Madam Chair, in SEG 7.


Implementation of Cultural Impact Assessment ($50,000); Cultural Industries ($100,000); Culture and Education ($200,000); Intangible Cultural Heritage ($130,000).

Can the Honourable Minister be able to clarify that some more Madam Chair?

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Madam Chair, these are ongoing projects under the Department of Heritage and Arts.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Any other comments?

We will move on to the next programme 9.

Honourable Vadei.

HON.


A.T. VADEI.- Madam Chair on SEG 10, Upgrade of Fiji Museum.

Is that continuing the completion of that project?

The building of an additional storeroom or what?

To store those old artefacts.

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Madam Chair, if the Honourable Member had visited the museum, they would see the frontage done - the front part, but the Museum needs to be expanded because there is a lot of materials stored inside the Museum where there is no place to store.
So this is a ongoing project to expand the museum and the first part was the front part.

And if you would see, it is a totally new frontage.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, we will now move onto programme 9, Activity 2.

Do you have any comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

Thank you.

We will now move on to the motions.


And the first motion will be moved by the Honourable Prem Singh at Head 21- the increase to $15 million in Programme 2, Activity 1, SEG 6 with respect to 15 million, with respect to early childhood education teachers.

HON.

P. CHAND.- I second the motion Madam Chair.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, would you like to speak on the motion Honourable Prem Singh?

HON.

P. SINGH.- Thank you, Madam Chair.


I think we all appreciate the importance of early childhood education, but from September 2006, the Early Childhood Education teachers were being paid for 7 days earning a monthly salary of about $1,400 when unilaterally told in May 2017 that their salaries would be reduced to 4 hours.

And therefore, monthly salaries reduced to about $800.
Based on their salaries of $1,400, Madam Chair, many ECE Teachers had financial commitments made by them like loan repayments, hire purchase et cetera.

It is our understanding that the reduced hours was justified by inflation of new or increased teachers, but the point of contention is, Madam Chair, that we cannot kick our ECE teachers in the stomach in order to create jobs.

So this SEG needs to be increased, the salary grant for early childhood education teachers and I commend this motion.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

I invite comments to speak in support or not to support.

There being none can I have a response from the Honourable Dr. Mahendra Reddy.

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Madam Chair, I think the Member is totally confused.

He is talking about only few cases where they were teaching two sessions.
Now because when the first session ends the teacher needs to send off the child, they are little kids, they have send off the child, they have to wait until the parents come and pick and then another teacher has to come early and setup the room for the next session.

Because the session is only 3 hours, so we cannot have a gap.

So that is why some of the teachers, very few who are running two sessions, they were told they can only teach one session.

They have to finish their session.


They look after their batch of students until their parents pick them up.

While the second session teacher comes and prepares the room, organises the room and receives her set of students, looks after them and then sees them off in the afternoon.

So these were the teachers who were told that they teach one session.

If it was a normal primary school where students come in the morning and go in the afternoon and one teacher looks after that particular class.
These are little kids who come for 4 hours, they need to be sent home by their teacher and looked after.

So we cannot have that teacher immediately starting another session while these little kids are left on the outside of their classroom or outside the ECE centre.

I think he totally confusing with that Madam Chair.

Their salaries have been increased last year, the hourly rates.

Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Prem Singh.

That is it?

HON.

P. SINGH.- Yes.


2176 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Honourable Vijay Nath.

HON.

V. NATH.- Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the Honourable Minister for Economy for taking this responsibility and paying 100 percent to the teachers on behalf of the school management and the ECE teachers.
All this while, there was a MOU, Madam Chair, that the school management use to pay 20 percent and the Ministry of Education 80 percent, at times the school management missed pay, they could not pay the ECE teachers but now Ministry of Economy has taken this responsibility and I thank the Honourable Minister for that.

May I add, Madam Chairperson, there are approximately 1,300 ECE teachers and what Honourable Singh is proposing is unrealistic, is really unrealistic.
Probably, he does not know that there are only 1,300 teachers.

HON.

P. SINGH.- Madam Chair, firstly the Minister has not clarified whether they have been paid reduced salary.

Secondly, I think the Honourable Assistant Minister for Infrastructure is more confused than anyone else.

We are not questioning the Government’s allocation of 100 percent payments to ECE teachers, which is a welcome move.

All we are saying ….

HON.

GOVT.

MEMBER.- Always.

HON.

P. SINGH.- Listen!

All we are saying - listen.


What we saying is that in the motion, these allocations be increased, I had quoted $1,400 that they were being paid and just because of the reduced hours, they have been paid $800.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, let just put this into context.

How many teachers are you talking about?

These are the ones who are receiving just the four hours.

HON.

P. SINGH.- They are all in the service now and posts to be recruited.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- How many of them?


HON.

P. SINGH.-Well I believe it is about 1,300.

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Madam Chair, again the Honourable Member does not understand they were not given salaries, they are wage-earners.

They are paid wages.

Before, their money was sent to the management and the management were giving them and most managements are not paying the 20 percent.

Now, in the last Budget, their salaries were realigned based on their qualifications.
The basic training teachers, they are given $5 an hour, this basic training means they do not have any certificate and they came from Forms 5 and 6, et cetera, now they are paid $5 an hour.

Those who have the certificate, one or two months certificate, they are paid $7 an hour, those who have one- year certificate, they are paid $9.30 an hour, those who got Diplomas, they are paid $11 an hour and those who have a Bachelors’ Degree, they are paid $14 an hour.
Now, Madam Chair, at the moment if they teach four hours, the Degree holders, they are paid $14,000.

Again he has wrong information and number and if you double that for eight hours, they are paid $24,000.

Now, they earn more than the ED teacher’s salary who are working for eight hours.

So, in fact, the Bachelor’s Degree holders are paid slightly more than the ED teachers, the normal full time teachers, Madam Chair.
So, that is on salary alignment done with the full grant been paid by the Government Madam Chairperson.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- I think we have enough clarification on this.

We will now vote on this motion.

HON.

P. SINGH.- Madam Chair, this is not what the Minister told us in the May sitting.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Please, Honourable Parmod Chand, you have the floor.

HON.

P. CHAND.- Madam Chair, I just the clarification.


Is it possible to employ someone for four hours because as a businessman, we cannot give a four hour job, a half day job to someone?

You call someone at work, you have to give a fully eight hour work.

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of interjections) HON.

P. CHAND.- We have to pay the full eight hours.

HON.

GOVT.

MEMBERS.- (Inaudible) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, Honourable Members.
I think they are ready to vote on this motion and Parliament will vote that Head 21 be increased to $15 million in Programme 2, Activity 1, SEG 6 with respect to grant to Early Childhood Education teachers.

Does anyone oppose the motion?

Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not Voted - - - 13 31 6 There being 13 Ayes, 31 Noes and 6 Not Voted, the motion is defeated.
On the next motion, I invite Honourable Ratu Kiliraki to move that Head 21 be increased by $1 million in Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 8 with the respect to Maintenance and Upgrade of Schools and Institutions.

Does anyone second the motion?

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- I second the motion.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you Honourable Ratu Kiliraki.

You may speak on your motion.

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- Thank you, Madam Chair.

I will bring us to Sustainable Development Goal 4 for Quality Education.
This is very important in terms of the Ministry of Education and I have been bringing this motion every year because the allocation is only $1 million for 11 secondary schools.

2178 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 I can remember that I mentioned the unequal distribution of this money in some of schools they forego that allocation because it is concentrated on one or two schools.
To increase this, I will give an example in regards to the devastation of TC Winston to the secondary schools, especially QVS and RKS because they have been denied a regular maintenance of the houses.

If you do go to QVS, the school buildings and the hall, the roofs were all blown out because there was no proper maintenance in regards to the buildings, especially the corrugated iron and the nails that have been there for decades.
Also, the quarters, that is why the devastation there, the impact was so devastating that they are still recovering.
So, by increasing this, as well as RKS and other secondary schools - ACS, Labasa, Suva Grammar, Natabua, Vunisea and that is why I am moving this motion to increase, to double it to another million so that we can always keep in place for the climate change the effects to mitigate by putting in proper maintenance and repairs to be able to withstand tropical cyclones to Category 5 as we are currently going to face in the future.

So that is the basis of my motion, Madam Chair.

Thank you.
Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Does anyone want to speak on the motion?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Madam Chair, for the Members information, in Programme 1, Activity 1, Maintenance Upgrading of Schools and Institutional Quarters, they should not be confused with the cyclone rehabilitation works that is listed separately.

As you know that we have the scores in categories one, two, three, four and five.

One and two are with the Ministry of Education, three, four and five are with CIU.
For this $1 million Madam Chair, priority is given to the schools for which scoping work has already been completed which involves: 1.

2.

3.

4.
2.

3.

4.

Adi Cakobau School upgrading of junior dormitory and converting an ironing room into a new dormitory; Vunisea Secondary School - an Assistant Principal Counsellor’s office; Labasa College which is the upgrading of classroom and boys senior dorm; and Sila Central College upgrading the existing ablution block and all vocational classroom and construction of a new ablution block.
These are some of the key schools that will be actually funded through this particular programme of upgrading schools and institutional quarters.

Again, at this point in time, Madam Chair, limited by the number of people who can actually carry out these works in a professional and accountable manner.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Anyone else wants to speak on that motion?

There being no other, we will now vote on the motion.

Does anyone oppose this motion?

HON.


MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) The question is to move that Head 21 be increased by $1 million in Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 8 with respect to Maintenance and Upgrade of Schools and Institutions.

There being opposition, Parliament will vote on this motion.

Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not Voted - - - 11 31 8 There being 11 Ayes, 31 Noes, 8 Not Voted, the motion is defeated Thank you very much, Honourable Members.
We will now break for tea and come back at 4.45 p.m.

The Parliament adjourned at 4.15 p.m. 2180 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 The Parliament resumed at 4.47 p.m. MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Members, we will begin and the next is the motion by the Honourable Mikaele Leawere to move that the Free Milk Programme be left out of Head 21, Programme 2, Activity 1, SEG 5.

Do you have a seconder?

There being no seconder, Honourable Leawere, would you like to speak on the motion?

HON.

M.R.
HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

Just looking at free milk, I was just talking to my colleague that milk is a perishable item.

By the time they reach the schools, some of this milk may have expired in terms of the expiry date and they may cause sickness.

Some schools in the Central and Eastern Divisions have leftover milk and I can quote the schools where they have leftover milk.

Students opted out of drinking milk.

I mean, the State dictates what the students should drink.
In terms of students when they reach their homes, some of those who are used to drinking milk, parents of lower income bracket find it very difficult to buy milk i to assist the students in respective homes.

This is why, Madam Chairperson, milk is not providing the necessary assistance and there should be some kind of study or research conducted in schools as to the effect of what this milk has given to the students.

Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.


Does anyone else want to speak on the motion?

There being no other contribution, I will ask the Honourable Dr. Mahendra Reddy to speak in reply.

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Madam Speaker, I find the Honourable Member’s argument quite ridiculous.
Madam Chairperson, we have noted that when a child comes late to school and misses out getting the milk and weet-bix, the parents would come the next day and argue that milk was allocated to my child even though the child was absent or came late, that they must get it.

Madam Chairperson, parents are looking forward to it.

We have seen student numbers or attendance going up because of milk and weet-bix.

You would not believe it in schools.

It, in no way, replaces the food that they have at home.
It is there to ensure that those children who are not able to bring food to school, have something so that they can fully concentrate on their study.

It is the first year of their school, unlike ECE which is just four hours in school, they are there the whole day so they need to eat something so that they are not bothered about their hunger and they can concentrate.

This is something to give them leverage there.


It is well established in literature, milk is good for health as well as weet-bix which has a lot of fibre and is nutritious as well.

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI Madam Chairperson, I thought the Ministry could be more innovative in regards to milk.

There are other options for this money to be able to generate the income for that particular school in that locality because in most of the schools, the parents are already facilitating and catering for the students.
If this money can go to their organisations and provide an alternative to milk, at least, it is fresh.

For the rural, probably they can buy a cow because it is going to multiple so you have a multiplier effect, the economic benefit for the location.

That is economy of scale rather than buying milk and it goes bad when it expires when you do not use.

So it does not help.

At least, you put in money, you facilitate the capital there and it grows, so that is my point of argument.

HON.
HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Buy a cow, they will eat the cow, Madam Chairperson.

(Laughter) Madam Chairperson, we need to be careful about what we give and how it can be sustained.

If the mothers are providing for them, then the school could just tell us that they do not need it and we will not provide the milk and weet-bix there.

We will give it somewhere else.

Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

I think we are ready to vote on this motion.


Honourable Leawere has moved that the Free Milk Programme be left out of Head 21-2- 1(5).

Does anyone suppose this motion?

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of” Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion.

Votes cast: - Ayes Noes - Noted Voted - 10 25 15 There being 10 Ayes, 25 Noes and 15 Not Voted, the motion is defeated.
The next motion by the Honourable Aseri Radrodro to move that Head 21 be increased by $200,000 in Head 21, Programme 2, Activity 1, SEG 8 - Cyclone Rehabilitation – Boarding Facilities for Primary Schools.

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- Madam Chairperson, I second the motion.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- You may speak on the motion Honourable Radrodro.

HON.
HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, the intention of the motion is to see that the allocation for cyclone rehabilitation is increased to ensure that proper rehabilitation process is conducted to the boarding facilities.

We note that last year it was around $2 million and this year, it is only $415,000, and as per the list that was mentioned earlier, it misses out some of the major primary schools where boarding facilities were provided, namely, the Tokaimalo District School in Ra.
Until last month, this particular school is still yet to be fixed and it reduces the attendance of students from several villages around that school.

Similarly, for Namuaira District School and Naqelewai District School.

There is a need for the Ministry of Education to prioritise.

If they are trying to work with SDG as mentioned by my colleague, they need to start from the ground and provide better quality education.
These are primary school students, Madam Chairperson, with ages ranging from six years old and probably up to 11 years or 12 years old, and without proper boarding facilities for those who used to have boarding facilities before prior to TC Winston hitting Fiji.

They are facing difficulties now in trying to attend school.
So at the moment, without boarding facilities for those whom I had mentioned and probably there are others around Fiji who travel daily and during bad weather, usually do not attend school because of the infrastructure barrier that they face, the 2182 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 Ministry of Education, therefore, needs to increase this allocation to ensure that there is a faster completion rate in attending to those boarding schools.
We urge that this motion be looked at in a proper manner and in a wisdom that will ensure that the needs of the school children, especially primary school students are attended to and looked after by the Ministry of Education.

Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Does anyone else want to speak on this motion?

Honourable Leawere?

HON.

M.R.


LEAWERE.- Yes, Madam Chairperson, boarding facilities in a school is under the arm of the State in terms of where students are educated, and boarding facilities should be built or done very quickly because when students leave their homes, they know that there is another home for them in terms of coming back to school and staying in the hostel or in a boarding facility.
The fact is that the facilities is an important component in terms of assisting students in learning when they come back from school, they go to their hostel or boarding facility.

The Ministry of Education should be mindful of the fact that it should be carried out quickly and swiftly, especially for students who travel to school by horseback or they have to cross rivers to attend their school.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- I will now ask the Honourable Dr. Mahedra Reddy speak in reply.

HON.
HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Madam Chairperson, first, the Honourable Member said that last year there was $6 million and this year there is $400,000 which is true because last year, $6 million was there because this is dealing with Cyclone Rehabilitation.

So, now a lot of schools have now completed their boarding facilities.
The second thing that the Honourable Member is confused with, he has given the names of schools and saying that those schools need repair work but this allocation is for boarding facilities only.

The third thing that the Honourable Member said was, Muaira Primary School.

The Honourable Member should check with the school, and two years ago, we gave $100,000 only for the construction of new boarding facility.
Muaira Primary School is one school where their boarding facilities was made out of thatched material.

So, $100,000 was allocated to construct the new boarding facilities for Muaira Primary School.

I had visited the school myself, Madam Chairperson.

Madam Chairperson, the Ministry is also providing small grants for renovation or construction of boarding facility.

When the Ministry do visit t schools, the Ministry get requests through our Ministry’s AMU Section, then these schools will be looked after.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON – Thank you.

Honourable Minister for Economy.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM – The other issue, Madam Chairperson, is that after TC Winston when some of the schools were assessed and as we had said that there were Categories 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, the more serious was given to CIU and was centrally coordinated.

After the assessment, some of the schools that were initially assessed to be in Grades 1 and 2, in fact, we found to be Grades 3 and 4.
So they have actually moved across to the CIU Unit, that centrally co-ordinates the larger funding.

In respect of the school, I do not know whether the names had been read out too, but I have got the list of the names of schools which I said the primary schools, the boarding facilities - $415,000.
Let me read it out to you: Nalotawa District School; Lewa SDA School; Savatu Primary School, which are all in the Ba and Tavua area; Namara Village School; Ratu Naivalu Memorial School; Viwa District School, these are in the Lautoka/Nadi/Yasawa area; St. Teresa; Nadroga/Navosa; Nasikawa District School; Bainimarama-Vatutoko Primary School, Nadroga/Nasova; 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

Muaira District School, in Nausori; 12.

13.

14.


Ratu Alipate Primary School, Nausori; Navunikabi Catholic School, in Suva, Ro Matanitobua Memorial School, Suva.

These are the 14 schools, the boarding facilities for primary schools costing about $415,000 for the rehabilitation work.

I think the Honourable Member, in particular, would be very happy that his school is covered.

So I would assume that, that satisfies him.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON- Thank you.

We will now vote on this motion.


The motion is that Head 21 be increased by $200,000 in Head 21, Programme 2, Activity 1, SEG 8 with respect to Cyclone Rehabilitation – Boarding Facilities for Primary Schools.

Does anyone oppose this motion?

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion: Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not Voted - - - 13 28 9 There being 13 Ayes, 28 Noes and 9 Not Voted, the motion is defeated.
We will now move on to the next motion and this is being moved by the Honourable Ratu Kiliraki, to move that Head 21 be increased by $1,500,000 in Head 21, Programme 3, Activity 2, SEG 5 - Boarding School Food Supplies.

HON.

RATU S. MATANITOBUA.- Madam Chairperson, I second the motion.

2184 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- I will ask Honourable Ratu Kiliraki to speak on his motion.

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- Thank, Madam Chairperson.


Again, I will repeat with regard to SDG 4 because that is the commitment of Government.

As I had said, in order to have quality education, especially in boarding schools, I had moved a motion regarding the maintenance of a boarding schools and facilities.

Now, it is on food and this allocation has been there all the time.
Even though the Honourable Minister has increased, especially in QVS to 1,000 students, over 800 boarders with the same allocation, that translates to about 34 cents per meal per child and that is the fact.

To be able to achieve quality education, especially students in boarding schools, we are very much disadvantaged, and you have seen the long list programme, all their particular preparations for school to be able to be accessible to the scholarship in terms of Toppers.
So there is a discrimination factor that is in place in regards to this denial of a proper meal for the students and allocation in regards to this.

That is why I am moving a motion to double that, at least, so that is the gist of my motion, Madam Chairperson.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Does anyone else want to speak on the motion?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- I think the point there is that, if the Honourable Member looked at how much this particular SEG received, in 2015-2016, it was actually $908,000.
Then it was increased last year to $1.8 million.

Obviously, the fact that it was improved and it was nearly doubled, so the doubling of that amount is sustainable, so he should not only look at just last year as in this year.

If you look at 2015-2016, it was $908,000.

In this financial year which is 2016-2017 it was increased to $1.8 million, so it almost doubled.
That obviously is adequate enough and that obviously takes into account the fact that these boarding schools are now being given adequate funding, so he needs to understand that also.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Aseri Radrodro?.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- I just want to speak in support of the motion.

Even though the Honourable Minister has highlighted that the allocation has doubled, it still does not take away the fact that the cost of meal per student is still less than a dollar.
So there is justification for a need to increase the allocation.

It is still less than a dollar per meal, you cannot even buy a parcel of roti for a dollar.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Madam Chairperson, again, this demonstrates their lack of financial understanding.

When you cook in bulk, it does not mean that it has to be $5 or $8 a meal, you are talking about a price of a meal at a takeaway place.
It is not a takeaway restaurant, it is cooked in a boarding facility and when you cook large volumes, obviously the cost of production will come down per head.

That is how it works, you ask anyone.

If you cook a meal at a wedding, you do not charge $10 per head, I mean, this is the reality.

The fact is, Madam Chairperson, they need to understand that we doubled the amount.

Prior to 2015-2016, they were getting $900,000.


This year, we increased it to $1.8 million and that obviously is sufficient, so we are continuing with the $1.8 million.

It is not good financially accountable to say per head, it works out to be that much.

I mean, I can take a packet of dhal and cook it for 100 people, per head it might work out to be 2 cents.

The fact is, everyone gets to eat dhal.

HON.

S.D.

KARAVAKI.- It has lost its value.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- No, it has not lost its value.


You obviously need to be a good chef to be able to know what you are doing.

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Madam Chairperson, in addition to that, the Honourable Member quoted QVS.

Apart from the town boarding schools, QVS, ACS and Bucalevu Secondary School have the largest farms.

QVS has a well-established farm - livestock, crop agriculture, rootcrop, massive plantation there to supplement, and all of those things are brought to the kitchen.
They have got piggery, poultry.

QVS has a massive large scale taro plantation, bele, et cetera.

Also, Madam Chairperson, the Honourable Member stated that this year, the number at QVS has gone up to 1,000.

With that, the free education grant also goes up and we have allowed, I recall very clearly, the utilisation of the grant for the school learning environment which includes repair and maintenance and supplementing the meals.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Ratu Kiliraki?

HON.
HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- In fact, that doubling does not impact on the food.

When you have that amount, you ought for the cheapest food for those who go and buy food for their kids.

When you go after every meal, you will see how many beans that are full with whatever that is cooked.

If you opt for a cheaper, then you get NCDs and all those diseases, that includes noodles and all those non-nutritional food to be able to fill the stomach but to a certain degree that the children will take dhal everyday.
When you go outside the dining hall you will see the bins they all full, that is a fact.

If these Honourable Ministers could go to boarding schools after every meal, to ACS or Bucalevu or even QVS and RKS.

So it is like giving the allocation and you put it in the rubbish bin.

You need to increase that so that the children can eat their meal.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Madam Chairperson, I want to have a right of reply too, to factual inaccuracies.
(Laughter) The Honourable Member is just pulling out statements from thin air.

He is saying that they are all getting dhal, they are not getting dhal everyday, I just used dhal as an example.

He is saying food has always been thrown away, how do I know he is telling the truth?

How do I know what he is saying that everything is being thrown away?

How do we know that they are all getting these NCD food?

They are not.

The former Minister, Honourable Reddy, can actually testify to that.
He obviously has a lot more knowledge… HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- Madam Chairperson.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Let me finish!

Madam Chairperson, I have not finished.

The Honourable Reddy has actually been to those schools.

HON.

S.D.

KARAVAKI.- Honourable Minister!

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Stop trying to make fun of it, have some dignity.

2186 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 The Honourable Reddy has testified to that, he has been to those schools.
He is probably the most travelled Minister for Education compared to some other people who had been the Minister for Education in the Parliament.

Madam Chairperson, the reality is that, the Honourable Member has forgotten about what Honourable Reddy has said.

These schools also produce their own produce, their own commodities, they also use that.

It is also inculcating a sense of agriculture.

They are getting fresh food, how can they check NCD foods.

Fresh bele is not NCD food!


Just by simply allocating the amount, it does not necessarily mean that they will get to eat quality food.

The issue here is whether the amount is actually sufficient for them to be able to get their three meals, that is quality food, and the fact that it has been doubled, is an indication that there is an acceptance of the fact that in the past, allocations were not adequate, and that allocations needed to be increased and we have, therefore, doubled the amount.
That is the point.

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- Can I clear one fact, I have been the president of QVS PTA for six years and retired in 2014 because of the election.

What I am saying is what I see.

The Honourable Minister may have gone there for one day.

They might have prepared the school for his visitation but that is the fact because I have been the president of the PTA for the students for six years, and this is a fact.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- We know that.


Since 2014, the amount has doubled, that is the point.

You were president when it was less.

.

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- This amount was still there.

After TC Winston, you know what the school went through.

You talk about the cassava and dalo, can they stand TC Winston.

It takes one year for the recovery of the crops.

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- They were not there.

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- I know that they have the dairy, I was when we rebuilt the piggery.

HON.
HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- For 11 months, there was no students last year but crops were grown and livestock were reared to prepare for Term 3.

When you were president of the PTA, Honourable Member, at that time free education grant was very low.

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- Yes.

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Members, I need to do justice to this food – dhal.

Dhal is one of the best source of protein that we have, and you need to tell the people.
Parliament will now vote on this motion.

The motion is that Head 21, Programme 3, Activity 2, SEG 5 be increased by $1.5 million with respect to Boarding School Food and Supplies.

Does anyone oppose this motion?

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion.

Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not Voted - - - 13 28 9 There being 13 Ayes, 28 Noes and 9 Not Voted, the motion is defeated.
We will move on to the next motion, it is by the Honourable Leawere to move that Head 21, Programme 2, Activity 4, SEG 5 - Assistive Devices and Special Books be increased by $10,000.

HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Thank you Madam, Chairperson.

In support of that motion, Assistive Devices are welcomed equipment in as far as teaching students with special needs is concerned.
Students have different levels of disabilities and by that nature, they need help because of the nature of what they go through in terms of their disabilities.

Schools like Early Intervention, Suva Special, maybe Hilton Blind, Gospel School for the Deaf, are Special Schools with special needs and teachers need to be equipped in terms of educating students.

I have tagged that amount because it is not much but, at least, to assist in the provision of equipment.
For example, in Blind schools, most of the equipment especially the safe devices are being borne s through fundraising.

However, with the assistance of the Ministry of Education and in topping up that amount, it can assist especially in terms of education delivery by the teachers to the students.

They are the neglected ones of society in terms of what they go through in life and the nature of their schools deserve special mention and these assistive devices of $3,000 is not enough to cater for that.
There are so many schools around the country - Levuka Special School, Labasa, Nadi and Sigatoka and through that $3,000, how it will go to each and every one of them as it is very small, it is very minor.

That is why I am supporting an increase in terms of that SEG from $3,000 to, at least, another amount which I stated in the motion.

Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Does anyone else want to speak on this motion?

Honourable Minister for Women?

HON.

M.R.


VUNIWAQA.- Madam Chairperson, just to add to the discussion, my Ministry has an allocation of $1.1 million as grants to organisations for persons with disabilities, so these are matters that we also look after in our Budget.

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Madam Chairperson, in addition to what the Honourable Member said, when primary school free education grant was in place in 2014 to 250, special schools were increased to 250 as well.
Last year Honourable Minister for Economy doubled the special school grants from $250 per child to $500.

So he is only talking about 2,000 for all schools, Madam Chairperson, while we increase, we double for every school.

Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Parliament will now vote on this motion.

The motion is that Head Head 21, Programme 2, Activity 4, SEG 5 - Assistive Devices be increased by $10,000.

Does anyone oppose the motion?

2188 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.
MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion.

Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not voted - - - 14 28 8 There being 14 Ayes, 28 Noes and 8 Not Voted, the motion is defeated.

We will move on to the next motion by the Honourable Salote Radrodro that Head 21-5- 2(5) – Careers Export be increased by $480,000.

HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Madam Chairperson, I beg to second the motion.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Salote Radrodro, you may speak on your motion.

HON.

S.V.

RADRODRO.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

May I request that I have another two motions which both come under SEG 5 so may I request that I speak on both the motions now, as they are related?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- The thing is that, because they are reflecting different allocations, different budget level and because of the careers information, careers expo, that we deal with them separately.

HON.

S.V.
HON.

S.V.

RADRODRO.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

I move that motion from the request of mothers, particularly from rural communities that I had visited in view of the lack of visitation from the Ministry of Education Careers Unit and I can understand why not because looking at the budgetary allocation, it is very small, considering the geographical layout of Fiji and the transportation costs and problem.
So the Expo Career Unit really do need money in terms of reaching out to these rural communities and also in the maritime.

They had suggested that, at least, like for example in Solevu Junior Secondary School, that it could be clustered, even with the inclusion of primary school, Madam Chairperson.

Alsoo with the inclusion of parents and I believe that it will go a long way if careers expo is actually linked in with also our primary schools before they actually transit onto secondary schools.
So that is where the request is coming from.

I do not know how the Ministry will look at this because the reading materials they said or the expo career or the materials that come to them, the publications are mostly in English and I am sure we will agree that we are not really a reading kind of community but more visual.

They more request things like maybe CDs that they could listen to or things like that, but the problem with that is that they do not have electricity mainly.
However, on that, Madam Chairperson, the request is that those two allocations be increased to facilitate more visitations from the Careers Service Unit.

Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Does anyone else want to speak on that motion?

HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Not only that, Madam Chairperson, in support of the motion, we expose students at a very early level in terms of this careers expo rather than concentrating on secondary.
We should go right down to primary because the earlier the students are told that this is their career path on a very minor level, especially in the primary level, they will be able to map out what they will do later on in life.

And for careers expo in terms of the increase, I would support that.

Also, Madam Chairperson, in terms of going out, staff will need whatever it is that is there in the allocation to assist them move out to villages.
Like what the Honourable Radrodro said, the expo should go right out to the villages and the communities because they see and they believe.

These are the things that I would like to say in support of the motion.

Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Leader of Opposition?

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- Madam Chairperson, I support the motion before the House in terms of increasing this allocations because it is a very small one to look after the whole of the country.
We know that most students will not end up in tertiary institutions.

Maybe up to 90 percent of them will have to look at other careers or other pathways and this is where the careers expo comes in.
What they should be looking at is the reality on the ground, what types of farming areas they can go into, is it organic farming, seaweed, if it is a place like Savusavu where they have those different types of farming, aquaculture, coconut even the women’s expo can make a contribution along those lines in terms of what is marketable because at the end of the day, you are looking at how these students can make a lifetime decision in terms of what they are going to be doing in the future.
So, that is where the careers expo comes in.

I believe that this allocation is too small to be realistic in terms of the needs that are out there in the community MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- I now invite the Honourable Dr. Mahendra Reddy to speak.

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Madam Chairperson, it seems that this question arises due of lack of information.

This is not the only visit that is made to schools by the Careers Section of the Ministry.
Our staff also participate in Government roadshows where schools do participate, for example, there was a Government show in Bua recently where the Honourable Prime Minister was present.

We got all the schools to participate in the Bua District at that Government roadshow.

Our Careers Section and our school heads were there as well.

In addition to that, we have got the radio broadcast programme.
Every week there is a radio broadcast programme which has information on new curriculum, new activities in the Ministry, as well as career topics are covered there.

Also, we have got dedicated careers’ time in school where teachers take a session on careers, so it is not a one-off thing.

In addition to that, the year before last, TSLB is going around having their own session with students in every town.
In addition to that, USP and all the tertiary institutions are having open days as well as they also, apart from the open day, visit high schools.

In addition to that, Madam Chairperson, from this year, the Ministry is having open days at every campus of the technical college, the 13 campuses.

If you look at the distribution of technical college, it is throughout Fiji, including Lomaiviti, Lau, where we have got a campus of technical college.
So schools around there come to the open day there as well where we have facilitated on the Open Day, careers information from other institutions, even if they are not there but we do facilitate that, Madam Chairperson.

2190 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 They are already talking about a one-off visit from this side but they are not talking about the broadcast programme that we have.
The TSLB visits with information on careers and relevant forms and brochures, as well as visits by the other universities and tertiary institutions and the open day by our technical college campus.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Parliament is ready to vote on this motion.

The motion is that Head 21, Programme 5, Activity 2, SEG 5 - Careers Expo be increased by $480,000.

Does anyone oppose the motion?

HON.


MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion: Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not Voted - - - 13 29 8 There being 13 Ayes, 29 Noes, 8 Not Voted, the motion is defeated.

The next motion is again by the Honourable Salote Radrodro, who is moving that Head 21, Programme 5, Activity 2, SEG 5 - Careers Information, Materials, Publication and Periodicals be increased by $204,135.

HON.
HON.

A.T. VADEI.- I second the motion, Madam Chairperson.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Radrodro, you may speak on your motion.

HON.

S.V.

RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, basically, the increase is to cater for the rural communities.

Honourable Dr. Reddy had mentioned about their going out, but it is not specifically covering the rural communities, then that was why we had requested.
It is more like an outreach whereby the rural communities could be visited, otherwise these are the communities that continue to be left out and the children will continue to be marginalised.

Madam Chairperson, the reach right now is insufficient.

They are not reaching out to those areas that need to be exposed to these kind of information.
Even, the Honourable Dr. Reddy had mentioned that they have radio programmes and there are visitations that have been undertaken, but that is not enough because they are not reaching the communities that are requesting.

This is the request that is coming out from the community, Madam Chairperson, and if Honourable Dr. Reddy wants to hold some truth to leaving no one behind or leaving no Fijian behind, then this is where you increase.

I mean, if you look at the $20,000, it is so insufficient.
And all we are requesting for is that, that SEG be increased to $1 million so it is basically asking for $500,000 more to be able to expand or extend the reach to these rural communities and also in the maritime.

The Honourable Member must remember that the transportation is very expensive.

That is why those schools are unable to go and be part of the expo programmes that may have happened.
They are just too far, they do not have that kind of transportation or the money to go there, so it would be better that the Ministry increase the number of their visitations to be able to get that wider reach into the community in regards to Careers Expo.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Dr. Mahendra Reddy, do you have anything else to add to what has been said?

HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Madam Chairperson, I find the Honourable Member totally confused.
Sometimes she is talking about $20,000, sometimes she is talking about $295,000, sometimes she is talking about $1 million, sometimes she is talking about schools, sometimes she is talking about community.

Madam Chairperson, the community visit, if she was talking about, the best person to visit the community is the school head and the school teachers.
They are with the community, they have the communities’ confidence, they organise CAPS meeting, parents days, open annual events, they are the ones who are the best person to visit the community, not this kind of one-off trip by the careers officers to go and visit the community.

They cannot, Madam Chairperson.

The careers officers visit the school and organise expos.
It is the school teachers, head teacher, principal who visit the community, who invite the community to the school on various events, various days that we observe, Madam Chairperson.

That is the way to do, Madam Chairperson.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Parliament is ready to vote on this motion.

The motion is that Head 21, Programme 5, Activity 2, SEG 5 - Careers Information Materials, Publication and Periodicals be increased by $204,135 Does anyone oppose the motion?

HON.
HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion.

Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not Voted - - - 12 28 10 There being 12 Ayes, 28 Noes and 10 Not Voted, the motion is defeated.

We will move onto the next motion by the Honourable Leawere to move that Head 21, Programme 4, Activity 3, SEG 5 - School Broadcast Unit be increased by $40,000.

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- I second the motion, Madam Chairperson.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Leawere, you may speak on your motion.

HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Madam Chairperson, I will be very brief.

I am happy to hear the Honourable Minister for Economy saying about strengthening communication, and that the School Broadcast Programme can piggyback on that.

However, the School Broadcast Programme is also an important component as far as disseminating the information to schools.
The fact is that, a lot of issues can be given out but in this programme, for the officers to announce through the broadcast in schools everyday.
It is also a forum where the activities of the Ministry of Education can be highlighted, included and 2192 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 strengthened, and can also include programmes on TV channels, as alluded to by the Honourable Minister for Economy, where the school broadcast programme can look after that because they are the best in the field.
In terms of education, they can do that very well in highlighting the activities of the Ministry, and also the programmes that can be taught in schools, especially from primary or even early childhood up to secondary school.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Does anyone else want to speak in support or non-support of the motion?

There being none, Honourable Dr. Mahendra Reddy, would you like to reply?

HON.
HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Madam Chairperson, the Honourable Member says that we need to prepare brochures and send it in the broadcast programme.

Madam Chairperson, broadcast programme, you do not send brochures and hand-outs.

You go on air and speak.

We do not need to 100 million or 1 million and 2 million.
This allocation is to assist a person to buy basic stuff, such as mixers and video cameras to assist him preparing that digital voice recording so that we do the regular weekly announcement with the broadcast programme.

It is totally insufficient, thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- We will now need to vote.

HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- I was not talking about the brochures, I was talking about was the programme itself in terms of disseminating information from those to schools.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, Honourable Vunivalu.

HON.

S.B.

VUNIVALU.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

Much has been said about this from the Opposition side.

One thing we should realise is that we are trying to spoon-feed the parents.

The other thing is, Madam Chairperson, the teaching starts from home and we are trying to bring all these broadcasting, et cetera, like but the main teachers are the parents.

Start from home, even not in kindergarten.


Once a child has been taught well from home, he/she will be a good student starting from Class one, but not to try and change his/her motive in Class One.

That is the fact, Madam Chairperson, thank you.

That is my contribution.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, we will now vote on this motion.

Does anyone oppose the motion?

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion.
Votes Cast: Ayes Noes Not Voted - - - 14 29 7 There being 14 Ayes, 29 Noes and 7 Not Voted, the motion is defeated.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Madam Chairperson, before we vote, I would just like to make a statement in respect of Head 21.

Earlier on, Honourable Members were informed that SEG 1 and SEG 2 actually takes account of the salary increases for all the teachers, et cetera, and various administrative staff.
And as pointed out which the Shadow Minister for Economy incorrectly alluded to in his response, that we had only allocated $10 million.

That $10 million, Madam Chairperson, is actually in Head 50 for any additional evaluation that may spring up, any additional amounts apart from the ones that has already been factored into the respective Heads.
One such once that I would like to bring to the attention of this House by way of information to the Members of Parliament is that, the Civil Service Reform Management Unit, in continuing with this assessment which will continue, of course, until September and October, found that graduate teachers will paid a different grades.

On further research with the Ministry, they confirmed that Diploma-holding teachers were be paid on the scale ED81, starting on Step 14 at $16,610.
Again, further research found out that Diploma teachers who commenced prior to 2012, started on Step 12 at $18,056.

Madam Chairperson, what we have now done is, we have resolve this matter so that all the Diploma-holding teachers will move to Step 12 and start off at $18,056 per annum, beginning from this school teaching year which is 2017.

This will be an additional cost of $1.3 million.

That $1.3 million, Madam Chairperson, will actually be sourced from the $10 million in Head 50.
Just for the information so they know that the Diploma-holding teachers will now all moved to Step 12 which is $18,056.

This, of course, ensure equity for all teachers when we will introduce the new salary bands from next month.

Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Parliament will now vote on Head No.

21.

The Question is that the amount in Head 21 - Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts be approved.

Does any Member oppose the motion?

HON.


MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will now vote on Head 21.

Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not Voted - - - 30 13 7 There being 30 Ayes, 13 Noes and 7 Not Voted, the motion is agreed to.

Head 21 – Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts agreed to.

Honourable Members, we will now move on to the next item, Head 22 – Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
Head 22 – Ministry of Health and Medical Services 2194 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- We now open the floor for comments on Head 22, Programme 1, Activity 1.

HON.

P. CHAND.- Madam Chairperson, I would like to move a motion.

Pursuant to Standing Order 102, I move without notice that Head 22, Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 6 - Kidney Dialysis Treatment be increased to $5 million.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, please fill the form.

Honourable Vadei?

HON.


A.T. VADEI.- Madam Chairperson, I move a motion toincrease the allocation to Head 22, Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 8 to cater for the construction of a new Laundry in the Children’s Ward at CWM Hospital to cater for maritime children who are admitted.

There is no provision in that area.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, please fill the form.

Honourable Aseri Radrodro?

HON.


A.M. RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, just a clarification regarding Head 22, Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 1 - - Personal Emoluments and all these related expenses.

Can we just get a clarification, for the doctors’ salary in the Ministry of Civil Service, this allocation is for which particular sector in the Ministry of Health?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Everyone else other than doctors, the Nurses, Allied Health Workers and everyone.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.


Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

Just on Head 22, Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 8 - Upgrade and Extension of Rotuma Hospital ($2,000,000); last year, there was a same allocation.

What work has been done in the past year?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Again, no construction company was willing to go to Rotuma.
We currently have what the Opposition have called the unproductive arm of the economy, the RFMF, they are the ones constructing the Rotuma Hospital.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- But we were there too, Madam Chairperson, in Rotuma with the RFMF Engineers but they stopped work because the materials did not arrive while we were there for the Rotuma Bills.

That is why I asked; how this project is being funded and how is it progressing?

HON.
HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Madam Chairperson, he is talking about operational matters and it is a bit silly actually.

Stop scoring cheap political points, Honourable Bulitavu.

HON.

MEMBER.- (Inaudible interjection) HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Control it, control it!

I know you want to run down RFMF, it is alright.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Ratu Lalabalavu?

HON.

RATU N.T.
HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- Madam Chairperson, I just need some guidance as to why is the Minister for Economy answering all the questions that were posed to the substantive post-holder, the Honourable Minister for Health?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Honourable Ratu Lalabalavu, through Madam Chairperson, we work as a team, be it specialised areas and this is done through CIU and, of course, they are the ones who are implementing it.

Therefore, I am answering that.


The Honourable Minister will answer as we have done with Honourable Minister for Defence, with the former Minister for Education, the Honourable Minister for Agriculture, Natural Disaster Management, the Honourable Prime Minister answered questions and everyone answers questions.

HON.

MEMBER.- (Inaudible interjection) HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Stop being so exclusive, Honourable Lalabalavu!.

HON.

MEMBER.- (Inaudible interjection) HON.


A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Areh, you got nothing else?

Stop personalising it, come on!

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, Honourable Members.

I will ask Honourable Prem Singh, you may have the floor.

HON.

P. SINGH.- Madam Chairperson, Head 22.

Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 8 - - Navua Hospital Landscaping and Civil Works, I just need a clarification on this.
We are spending $4 million of taxpayers’ money, and then there is an allocation – Aid-in-Kind for Navua Hospital - Technical Cooperation (China) ($1,244,008); does this form part of the allocation of $4 million?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- It is separate.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- It is separate.

Honourable Aseri Radrodro?

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, on Head 22, Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 8 – Extension of CWM Hospital Maternity Unit ($9,500,000).

Last year, there was an allocation of $3 million.


What stage of work does it involve, is this a flow on or what kind of maternity upgrade is this?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- There is design work.

I do not know how many from the Opposition have been recently to the Maternity Hospital.

I can tell you, I was there a few days ago.

If you look at the back of it, there is a deep gulley.

So in respect of the ability to expand across horizontally is actually limited, so we need to go vertically up.
And you will see there is a lot of design work that needs to be done, some of the consultancy work has been done, and we hope to start the actual construction of the work in this financial year, and that is why the increase.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- As you will either note, Honourable Members, the Honourable Minister for Economy has the institutional memory for the National Budget, and this is being reflected by his input to this debate.

Are there any other comments on Head 22-1-1?

HON.

M.R.
HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Madam Chairperson, Head 22, Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 8 - Upgrade and Maintenance of Urban Hospitals and Institutional Quarters; can we have some clarification as to how many institutional quarters are involved there?

2196 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.

R.S AKBAR.- This involves the upgrading and maintenance of our three main Divisional Hospitals - Lautoka, Labasa and CWMH, and of course, two specialist hospitals – St. Giles and Twomey.
There is an increase of 37 percent and this will include our quarters as well.

I cannot give you the exact number of the institutional quarters that we have.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Honourable Aseri Radrodro?

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, on Head 22, Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 8 - Defect Liability Period of Low Risk Makoi Maternity Unit ($727,646) being a new expenditure line; what is this allocation?

HON.

R.S AKBAR.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.


The allocation for the 2017-2018 Budget for Defect Liability Period for the Low Risk Maternity Unit is part of the construction in the Maternity Unit.

It has been completed.

This allocation is the retention payment of the defect liability period and once the project is completed and we are satisfied, then this payment will be released.

Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.
HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, we will now move on to the next item, Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 1, and I invite comments, if any?

Honourable Aseri Radrodro?

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, just referring to my earlier question on the Personal Emoluments for Health Services; is this still the same as the first one?

There are no doctors under this SEG?

HON.


A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Madam Chairperson, just again to clarify, in none of the Programmes, none of Activities in the Ministry of Health are the doctors salaries included.

Everyone else’s salaries are included, dependent on the Programme and the Activity.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, the announced in increases for specialist nurses….

HON.
HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Well, if you look at the Programme, for example, look at Health Services and I do not jump ahead, like Pages 146 and 147, you have the breakdown - Lautoka Hospital, CWM Hospital, so obviously whichever nurses are there they will have their salary allocated in that particular Programme and Activity.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Vadei?

HON.


A.T.VADEI.- Regarding the announced increase in the emoluments for the nurses and nursing practitioners; what about the dental officers are they also captured in this Programme and where?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Again, Madam Chairperson, wherever there are nurses in that particular Programme or Activity, it will be reflected in that.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Public Health Services only.

Any other comments?

HON.


A.M. RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, on Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 1, SEG 7 - Fiji Plan of Action for Nutrition ($200,000); is this going to be a rolled out plan?

Is the plan going to be distributed?

What is this plan about?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Madam Chairperson, what is the question?

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- This Fiji Plan of Action for Nutrition.

What is it is it a real physical plan or what is this plan?

Is it a document or is it going to be distributed?


It looks like a new item there.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- No!

HON.

R.S AKBAR.- Madam Chairperson, the $200,000 allocation is for nutrition advocacy, to prevent and manage overweight or obesity amongst school children; reactivation of facilities, so development of Food and Nutrition Policy is all part of that.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Leawere?

HON.

M.R.
HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Madam, still on Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 1, SEG 7, I seek some clarification from the Honourable Minister on the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiatives?

HON.

R.S AKBAR.- Madam Chairperson, $60,000 certifies the hospitals as Baby Friendly.

Training, audit breastfeeding, week activities, including nutrition which enables the following activities: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.
Training of health workers in compliance with Step 10 of the successful Breastfeeding Policy of each health facility; Support for breastfeeding training and attachment overseas; Support for breastfeeding Calendar of Event, for example, breastfeeding week’s celebration in all Divisions; Support for all activities, promoting and advocating training for breastfeeding; Support from mothers support groups; Support for reprinting of breastfeeding IC materials; and Training of assessors and assessments for accreditation of health facilities.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Vadei?

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- Madam Chairperson, on Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 1, SEG 6 6 – Local Rural Authorities, I saw that there is no increase.

My question is; Tacirua Heights and all those areas, will they be covered in this fiscal year in their collection of rubbish, et cetera?

HON.
HON.

R.S AKBAR.- That Rural Authority grant is given to Local Rural Authorities as a grant for the services that include health issues, like rubbish collection, WASH Programme, spraying of areas.

These are for the areas outside the Local Town Council boundaries and we have a grant that we give for these activities, if it is related to health.

2198 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Vadei?

HON.
HON.

A.T. VADEI.- Madam Chairperson, I would like to move a motion to increase that grant because of the number of housing that have evolved in those sectors.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Honourable Dulakiverata?

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Madam Chairperson, I would like to move a motion to increase the allocation for Head 22-2-1(5) - Suicide Prevention Programme.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Please, fill the form.

Honourable Aseri Radrodro?

HON.


A.M. RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, just a clarification, the village nurse allowances, are they reflected in this public health activity?

HON.

R.S.

AKBAR.- Which SEG is this?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- If you do not find it here, then we will not discuss it.

Maybe, you will find it another activity probably.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Thank you.


MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Since there are no other comments, we will now move on to the next programme which is Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 2.

Do you have any comments?

This is to do with CWM Hospital Only.

Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

Just a Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 2, SEG 7 - Outreach Programme ($20,000).

It is a a new programme this year, specifically what is that programme for, for CWMH only?

HON.

R.S.
HON.

R.S.

AKBAR.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

Yes, it is a new allocation, not only for CWM Hospital but for all our core centres.

This is for the outreach programmes to our communities that is provided by our medical teams when they go out.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Prem Singh?

HON.

P.B.

SINGH.- Madam Chairperson, Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 2, SEG 5 - - Laundry ($120,000).

My understanding is that, all laundry works are outsource now.

So, what is this allocation for?

HON.

R.S.


AKBAR.- I do not know where you got information from that all laundry is outsourced, but we have this $120,000 for CWM Hospital specifically and you will find allocations for separate core centres as well.
We are getting an additional $30,000 to cater for the higher demand for laundry services and this includes our central division facilities; St, Giles, Tamavua, Wainiboksi, Vunidawa, Nausori, Korovou, Makoi, Valelevu, Raiwaqa and Lami, and it ranges for about 20-70 kilogrammes for washing.

They wash items three or four times a day, that is inhouse.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Ratu Suliano Matanitobua?

HON.
HON.

RATU S. MATANITOBUA.- Madam Chairperson, Head 22-2-2(5) - Charter of Aircrafts ($1,220,000); is it the aeroplane or helicopter or both?

HON.

R.S.

AKBAR.- This is specifically for aircrafts.

It says charter of aircrafts - helicopters and planes, yes, fixed wings.

This $1.2 million is just allocated for CWM Hospital.

Again, you will see similar allocations for Labasa and Lautoka as well.
New allocation for CWM as the demand is very high and we need to evacuate our patients needing special treatment from other Divisions to these major hospitals via helicopter and chartered flights.

CWM has specifically been allocated this budget to meet these demands as it is the largest and the busiest tertiary healthcare hospital in Fiji with more specialised services than any other tertiary hospital around the country.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Aseri Radrodro?

HON.
HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, - Boiler/Incinerator: Fuel and Oil, I notice a continuous allocation on this.

Just for information, is the Ministry planning to upgrade this Boil/Incinerator from fuel and oil to gas?

just on Head 22-2-2(4) HON.

R.S.

AKBAR.- I will let the Assistant Minister answer that.

HON.

A.D. O'CONNOR.- Madam Chairperson, if they were listening to my speech yesterday morning, it was in the plans for the Ministry.

Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Leawere?

HON.


M.R.

LEAWERE.- I seek some clarification, Madam Chairperson, on Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 2, SEG 5 - Outsourcing ($1,100,000) and then we go on further to Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 3, the same SEG - $405,000 and Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 4, it is also there.

Why is there a difference in allocation, is it in terms of the hospital?

HON.

R.S.
HON.

R.S.

AKBAR.- Madam Chairperson, there are two services that we outsource, one is the security services and the other is cleaning services.

So, it is reflected again in all other core centres - CWM, Lautoka, Labasa.

They have their own operational budget and that is why it is allocated to them.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being no other comments, we will move on to the next which is Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 3.

Do you have any comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.


MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 4?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 5?

Honourable Aseri Radrodro?

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 5, SEG 7 - Outreach Programme ($20,000) and this is for Tamavua Twomey Hospital.

HON.

R.S.

AKBAR.- All outreach programmes are done by our medical teams when they go out to communities.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments?


2200 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- We will move on to the next item - Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 6 - St. Giles Hospital.

Any comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Head 22-3-1: – Central Division?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Head 22-3-2: Eastern Division?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Head 22-3-3: Western Division?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.
HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- .- Head 22-3-4: Northern Division?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Head 22-4-1: Drugs and Medical Equipment?

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, just on Head 22, Programme 4, Activity 1, SEG 9 - Purchase of Logistics Management Information System (FPBS) ($500,000); is it this a new system all together or will you replace the existing one?

HON.

R.S.
HON.

R.S.

AKBAR.- Madam Chairperson, this is allocated to the Ministry to work with ITC Services to procure a Logistics Management Information System to improve our supply chain management for medicine.

Of course, the system will improve the accuracy of stock forecasting, procurement and distribution efficiency in financial management of medical supplies.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.


BULITAVU.- Head 22, Programme 4, Activity 1, SEG 4 - Biomedical Spare Parts and Maintenance.

Last year it was $500,000, this year, it has moved up to $1,500,000.

What has caused the increase, more maintenance and more repairs?

HON.

R.S.

AKBAR.- Madam Chairperson, yes, there is an increase and this is for us to purchase spare parts for all our biomedical equipment so that it is maintained and in operation.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.
HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

We will now move on to the motions.

The first motion is by Honourable Parmod Chand to move that Head 22, Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 6 - Kidney Dialysis Treatment, be increased to $5 million.

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- I second the motion, Madam Chairperson.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Member, you may speak on your motion.

HON.

P. CHAND.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.


As I move this motion, once again, it is an extreme disappointment that we have not seen any increase in this, despite vigorous debates on this issue by our Party last year and also it is very, very important in the spirit of humanity that we do not deny people afflicted with kidney problems in Fiji.
We also believe that the Government must be inundated by many concerns from families struggling from this sickness to meet the high cost of regular dialysis treatment.

Perhaps, at the moment, if I am not mistaken, there are three dialysis centres, one in Labasa which is run by the Labasa Hospital Board assisted by nurses from the Labasa Hospital, and a lot of donations are coming in there.
And I believe, if I am not mistaken, there are about 110 dialysis for a month which amounts to about 1,320 per year at a cost of $150 per dialysis which would amount to somewhere about $250,000.

Second one is in Suva which is run by the Kidney Foundation.

Perhaps, if I am not mistaken, it is 130 dialysis per week which amounts to about 6,864 dialysis for a year by $250 per dialysis would be somewhere about $1.7 million to $1.8 million.
Then if you look at Nadi, there is someone by Zen’s Medical that operates this, there is approximately about 30 dialysis, if I have given the right figure, for a week which for a year would be about 1,560 patients.

But this number stands to be corrected because I do not have direct access to these clinics.

Basically, what we are talking about, we are talking about almost 10,000 people which would amount to somewhere about $2.3 to $2.4 million.
For example, if you take an ordinary person who earns about $15,000 and if that person in Labasa which is the cheapest, has two dialysis per week, some people do not do two because they cannot afford it.

So if they have two, it is $300 and $300 by 52 is about $15,000.

So if you are just an ordinary worker, where do you go?

Who would support you?

It is very, very difficult and quite a lot of young people (I was told by those who conduct these clinics) are coming in and one of the courses is coca cola.
I do not know whether they are right or wrong, but that is what I was told and I was shocked about it.

Madam Chairperson, it is very, very important that the health of our people must be looked into.

We can spend a lot of money in many other places as I had alluded to in my speech, and I am not going to repeat that, but simply what I am saying here is that, it is very, very important to be concerned about those poor people because they have no one to lean on to.
We are giving homes to people which is excellent, we are giving grants for SMEs for people to do business, excellent, because it is very important.

In the same way, I believe our Government should be able to take out $5 million for the kidney foundation and support all the three clinics and I think there is someone who has opened one in Lautoka or is trying to open a clinic, I am not very sure about that.

I am making a plea to the Government of the day to look into this.
They are a very compassionate Government, they have been telling us and they do unprecedented things, and I would like the Government to do this unprecedented thing by providing $5 million for this course because this is very, very important.

I have been to many families, even a number of them I have gave them free passes in my bus so that they can come twice a week.

2202 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.
MEMBERS.- (Chorus of interjections) HON.P.CHAND.- Well, that is public service, we want to help people.

I am a people’s man and I want my people to be healthy.

Everyone says health is wealth of a nation.

We want to protect our families, we want to protect our children and no one wants diabetes and no one wants a kidney failure.
But it is unfortunate that people have this and I believe the Ministry of Health should be stronger in advocating this and the Honourable Minister for Health should come out and support this.

It is very important, our poor people are dying.

There are many people dying because of kidney failure.

Dialysis after dialysis and some people cannot afford it, so they passed on.

It is very, very sad when you go and visit these families.
It is so bad and so ironic that we can spend so many millions of dollars in golf and other areas, but we are not able to save the lives of our people.

The provision is there but they do not have the means, they do not have the money, and we really need to see that the Government should provide that.

This is one of the most important things and this will be the best thing that the Fiji Government can do to the people of Fiji.

I commend this motion to the House.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.


Does anyone want to speak on the motion?

Honourable Vadei?

HON.

A.T.VADEI.- In support of that motion, it is the Bill of Rights in our Constitution that we have sufficient and enough funds to support medication or provide for the needy.

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- Madam Chairperson, I support this motion wholeheartedly.

It is quite tragic that we have some people paying $250 per session and knowing the income level of our people, it is really difficult for many.
I am told that some very young children who are going into dialysis.

I am told that a lawyer has to write post-dated cheques to ensure that she gets treatment.

I have very close friends and families who have recently been diagnosed and are undergoing this, and these are people of my generation.

When you look back, Madam Chairperson, and you learn that this is NCD-related.
So someone of my generation, who is now on dialysis because it is NCD-related because of food and all that, it is almost too late to change their lifestyle to avoid kidney failure because we all know, people of my generation.

When we were going to school, we saw people living well and we wanted to live well.

We wanted to eat steak every day, we wanted to drink this everyday, and it was inbuilt in us to do well so that we could enjoy that lifestyle.
Only later in life, we begin to discover that lifestyle was bad for you.

So a vast majority of people who are like us, who went to school during that period and aspired to be like the well to do, are now very vulnerable to this.

So, yes, we can say we can prevent it by a better lifestyle but it is too late for a lot of people.
Just recently, the gentleman who is trying to set this up in Lautoka, he is from Canada and he says it is free in Canada and he is willing to do it in Fiji, with support from other people to set it up at a lower cost.

I spoke about this two years ago when Jonah Lomu passed away.

I think the day we debated this, was the day we learnt that Jonah Lomu had succumbed to his kidney illness.
So I agree with my colleague, Honourable Parmod Chand, that we have spoken about it a number of times and we were just hoping that it could be reflected, that dialogue, which has been very passionate, which we should believe that people of this country want to see happen.

It is not reflected in the Budget that we see today.

So, I would urge the Government to change this and increase the allocation to the amount moved by the Honourable Member.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.


There being no other input, Honourable Minister would you like to contribute on that?

HON.

R.S.

AKBAR.- Madam Chairperson, I would like to make my contribution on this motion.

Honourable Gavoka quite rightly said that we need to make right options, we need live healthy, we need to follow the doctor’s advice and if we can reverse NCDs, it can be reversed and I have spoken to a lot of people and I quote Dr. Wahid, who was the President of the Fiji Diabetes Association.
He is very passionate about this diabetes issue.

He is diabetic and he has reversed his situation and now, he is living a normal healthy life.

When it comes to health, Madam Chairperson, we need to talk about discipline.

Honourable Gavoka went on to mention that the problem exists, yes.

The problem exists not only in Fiji, in the whole of the Pacific region as well.
When we met at the Commonwealth Pacific Meeting in Geneva two months ago, the Pacific Ministers echoed the same sentiments that dialysis treatment, the number of cases of patients or people needing dialysis is increasing by the day and dialysis is not the solution.

Honourable Chand talked about just plucking $5 million from somewhere and giving it to the dialysis patients.

I do not agreed with that.


As a Government, yes, we are a very compassionate Government and, yes, as a Minister, I am very compassionate.

Otherwise, I would not have spoken about this subject so openly.

When I came into office, I realise that $250 charged by Kidney Foundation that was providing the services was too high.

I did my own research, I talked to people and I found out that one of the ways of reducing the cost is to work out the cost consumables.

That is where the major cause lies.


I have spoken to the Labasa Board of Visitors, to Dr. Amrish Krishnan and to the Honourable Minister for Economy and that is where we came up with the solution.

Yes, we need to have a Kidney Research Centre.

We need to research about this rather than saying; “Let us offer this to our people.” Yes, our people need that service but you cannot say that the Government is not doing it.
We have within our hospitals; Lautoka, Labasa and CWM, dialysis facilities where we treat people whose kidneys have failed and a lot of our patients have walked out free out of the hospitals with their kidneys being revived.

Yes, we are doing that, we are providing that free of charge but when it comes to chronic cases, Madam Chairperson, it is very difficult.

I have been told that dialysis is not a solution to have a prolong life.
Yes, you need treatment three times a week, and some people cannot afford it.

We are working on to that, Lautoka Hospital will very shortly have its own four-bed dialysis facility in which we are yet to identify space that.

We have the machines, we have the consumers, we have the expertise and our own doctors and nurses will run that, as it is run in Labasa.

To bring the cost down, Madam Chairperson, we are trying to research to research and see where we can get the best quality consumables.
We do not want to compromise on the consumables 2204 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 and reduce the cost, just for the sake of reducing the cost because there are health effects on a person, who uses those consumables - the needles and other consumables that are needed.
In terms of that, yes, we have allocated $1 million in this budget to start up that kidney hub that we have called it, and the only Nephrologist in Fiji, Dr. Amrish Krishnan, who has come on board, and I would like to thank him for his enthusiasm in taking this forward.

So we need research, we need data and commitment but all in all, we need to reduce the cost and as a Government, we are working to see how best we can do that.

Madam Chairperson, 10 machine dialysis facilities will be set up in Tamavua.
We have given ourselves six to nine months to set that up or maybe earlier than that.

We have already identified the land, so we are very serious about it.

It is going to be situated in Tamavua on a land that belongs to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

So, yes, we are committed, passionate and we are a caring Government and as Minister for Health, I would like to see that we go through with these initiatives to assist our people.
Meanwhile, within our hospitals, our acute patients will be treated free of charge by our doctors.

You cannot say that the Government is not providing for dialysis, we are doing that and we will continue to do that.

There is a $300,000 allocation provided for in the budget that we used to buy quality consumables for our inpatients within our hospitals.
So when patients come for this dialysis treatment within our three tertiary care facilities, they do not pay anything and they walk out free and we have a lot of people who have actually been treated with this.

Again, all in all, as Members of Parliament, let us go out to our communities and talk about reversing the effects of NCDs.

It is possible and we can do it.

Madam Chairperson, thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

We will now vote on this motion and… HON.


MEMBER.- (Inaudible interjection) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- No, I think we have covered enough to make decision on whether to support or not support.

The motion to move that Head 22, Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 6 - Kidney Dialysis Treatment be increased to $5 million.

Does anyone oppose this motion?

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will now vote on this motion.
Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not voted - - - 14 30 6 There being 14 Ayes, 30 Noes and 6 Not Voted, the motion is defeated.

We will now move onto the next motion.

The motion is by the Honourable Anare Vadei to move a motion that Head No.

22, Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 8 - Divisional Development Projects be increased by $3 million.

HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- I second the motion.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Vadei, you may speak on your motion.

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.


In regards to the maritime parents who came during the admission of their child below the age of four, have no relatives around and they do not have resources to do their laundry.

That is why I have moved this motion, for an additional $500,000 for the setting up of a new laundry to cater for families coming from the rural and maritime zones.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- You want to increase by?

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- $500,000.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- This is $3 million.


HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- But that is not Divisional Development Projects.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- You are talking about Head 22, Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 8 be increased by $3 million?

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- Yes, that is correct.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- And you are talking laundry?

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- Yes.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- It does not fit in there.


Madam Chairperson, if I may provide some clarification, the Divisional Development Projects is to do with the allocation being transferred from Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development.
These are health projects identified and priotised with the rural development machinery which include the construction of the new Nacula and Votualevu Health Centres, upgrading of the Tawake Nursing Station and institutional quarters for Ravitaki and Tawake Nursing Stations, Naduri and Seaqaqa Health Centres and Nabouwalu Subdivisional Hospital.

This allocation is to undertake the preliminary works for all of these Centres.
So, this is nothing to do with laundry for coming to CWM and it cannot be entertain as a motion.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

We will now progress further with the motion and as this has been agreed to by the Honourable Vadei.

We will move on to the next motion by the Honourable Anare Vadei again, to move that Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 1, SEG 6 – Local Rural Authorities be increased by $400,000.

HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- I second the motion.


MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Vadei, you may speak on your motion.

2206 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.

A.T. VADEI.

Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

This is in regards to the regular rubbish collection outside the municipalities of Nasinu, Suva and Nausori areas which have been densely populated.
Also, this will cover the spraying for mosquitos when the need arises because they have been left out in so many cases in the previous years and when we look at the budget allocation, there is no increase.

That is why I request for that amendment for an increase of another $200,000 to make it $400,000.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Does anyone wants to speak on the motion?

Honourable Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu?

HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.


In supporting this motion for an increase in Head 22-2-1(6) – Local Rural Authorities, I would also like to raise something here that is very much linked to this Authority and that is on the island of Taveuni.

We do not have any permanent rubbish dump site.


One was identified and it is within State land which was done by the former Minister for Lands at one time, Mr. Sukanaivalu, and then the mataqali that land belonged to, took an initiative on its own by liaising with the Rural Local Authority of Taveuni in identifying some mataqali land as a temporary dump site.
It is within Somosomo and AusAID has helped us in providing four big receptacles to be always cleared by the Rural Local Authority truck once a month and that was the only thing that we got out of it.

It took care of our rubbish and we had a temporary dump site to take care of the growing population in Taveuni.

We signed an MOU with the Rural Local Authority and seven years has now gone by, it was only supposed to be for five years.
It was supposed to be a temporary site only but again we, the vanua, are playing our part here with this initiative but again, we have come across problems where the rubbish are not cleared.

It should be once a month but now it is sometimes after two months, then it is cleared simply because the Rural Local Authority in Taveuni does not have the funds to pay the contractor that it chose to undertake the clearance.
So I am in full support of this motion to increase the allocation by another $200,000, at least, to try and help us who are doing our duty to the community and we hope the Government takes note of this request.

Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Vadei, this increase is actually accommodating what the Honourable Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu is saying within that $400,000 increase?

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- Yes.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Honourable Radrodro?

HON.


A.M. RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, I speak in full support of that motion for an increase.

I think the role of the Rural Local Authority is very important in terms of looking after the citizens of Fiji, outside of the towns and city boundaries.

The area where they have to perform their work is very wide ranging, for example, the Navua Rural Local Authority before will now become a town council.
Their area of responsibility starts from Navua Town goes up that way to Sigatoka and comes right up to Naboro.

One of the difficulties that they face is how to conduct their services in terms of staffing, vehicles and likewise, for the Nausori Rural Local Authority which also looks after Naitasiri, Tailevu and Rewa, there is a very high need to improve the resources so they can also perform their roles appropriately.
Not only that, Madam Chairperson, if the Government is serious about tackling NCDs, this is one way that it could also, starting from public health services to address the public health system before waiting for the patients to reach the hospital.

So the suggested increase by the Honourable Vadei is very much supported.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- The Honourable Leader of the Opposition?

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.


I also support this motion in terms of the villages and settlements because as the Honourable Member has spoken about Nausori areas, all those rubbish gets dumped into the river and then you look out at the reef and you see what happens there.

COP23 is looking at the environment, the world, and we have to look local too, Madam Chairperson, so this is where this increase would come in handy.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Will all these increases be accommodated in the $400,000?

Because that is what we are debating now, the $400,000.

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- Yes, Madam Chairperson.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Madam Chairperson, if I can just respond.

There is, of course, no doubt that there are many people who are now living outside municipal areas.

Those people who have their rubbish collected in the municipal areas actually pay town rates.
A lot of people who live outside town areas do not actually pay any rates.

Some of them still have their rubbish collected which, of course, some of them do not, many of them do not.

Some villages, for example, near hotels have their rubbish collected by the hotels as part of the deal.

So, a number of different arrangements.


Madam Chairperson, there are number of issues, given the fact of the rural-urban drift that we are currently working on through the Minister for Local Government, the Ministry of Health.

As we know that Rural Local Authority, when we think about it is parked with the Ministry of Health.

So, it has a very very different perspective of how rural local authorities should be managed and who should it be managed by.
So, it is part of the reforms also we are currently looking at, as to where it would best sit and how it could be actually further empowered, given these changes that are taking place.

This is why we have currently kept it because there would be some changes in the next few months that we could announce that six months we will be carrying out some internal assessments and studies as to how we can better strengthen this.

However, it needs to be lot more focused.


It simply should not rest with the Ministry of Health possibly, it could be allocated somewhere else.

So this is why we are urging that we continue with this and we will come up with some major reforms regarding it.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- So, you can assure us that the issues that have been raised on Taveuni and the communities in Tailevu, Naitasiri and Rewa will be considered in your next reform that you are talking about?

HON.
HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- We are very much concerned about many of those issues that have been raised and we want to address it in a holistic manner, not to find a band-aid solutions.

They are very real concerns, of course, no doubt about that.

We actually consider that but I think we need to get structures right and that is what we are working on at the moment.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

With as far as this motion is concerned, Parliament will now vote on this motion.

Does anyone oppose the motion?


2208 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion.

Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not voted - - - 14 13 6 There being 14 Ayes, 13 Noes and 6 Not Voted, the motion is defeated.

We will now move on to the next motion and it is by the Honourable Dulakiverata to move that Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 1, SEG 5 - Suicide Prevention be increased by $57,000.
HON.

A.D. RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, I beg to second the motion.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Honourable Dulakiverata, you may speak on your motion.

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

This this programme has an allocation of $45,000 and I am moving that that should be increased to $100,000.

Madam Chairperson, suicide is very prevalent in the nation and it is very common with our young generation.

This could be caused by the current way of living and other causes.
It is important, Madam Chairperson, that the public need to be made aware of the symptoms so that they can detect early signs early to prevent suicide.

So that is why, Madam Chairperson, I support this program and move that the allocation be increased to $100,000.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Does anyone wants to speak in support of the motion or respond to the motion?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Since there is no response, we will vote on the motion.
The motion is that Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 1, SEG 5 - Suicide Prevention be increased by $57,000.

Does anyone oppose the motion?

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus on “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion.

Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not voted - - - 13 28 9 There being 13 Ayes, 28 Noes and 9 Not Voted, the motion is defeated.
The next motion is being moved by the Honourable Salote Radrodro that Head 22, Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 1 - Personal Emoluments be increased by $66,514,950.

HON.

OPPOSITION MEMBER.- Madam Chair, I second the motion.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Radrodro, in speaking on this motion, would you like to also tell us exactly how many people you are accommodating in such a large $66 million allocation that you are proposing.

Do you have that information?

HON.

S.V.


RADRODRO.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

The increase in that SEG is to accommodate the doctors’ salaries, allowances, FNPF and gratuities from the Civil Service back to the Ministry of Health.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, Honourable Radrodro.

I am not allowing this motion any further because we have discussed it many times.

This particular allocation has been moved to the Ministry of Civil Service and please, do not bring that back.
We will move to your second motion, Honourable Radrodro, to move that Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 2, SEG 4 - General Stores and Incidentals and SEG 5 – Ration, Laundry, and Stores and Kitchen Items, be increased by $200,000.

How much increase for SEG 4 and SEG 5?

You will need to be very clear with this, Honourable Salote Radrodro?

HON.

S.V.

RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, I believe I put it on my motion.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- So General Stores and Incidentals will have $327,000 and you want that increased by how much of the $200, 000 that you are mentioning here?.

HON.

S.V.

RADRODRO.- Yes, Madam Chairperson.

We are going to take both in SEG 4 or one item each, or just General Stores and Incidentals, if that could be moved up to $100,000 under SEG 4.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

This motion is invalid and we cannot address it.


Another motion from the Honourable Salote Radrodro to move that Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 3, SEGs 4 and 5 be increased by $150,000.

These are the same ones as before, but this is for Lautoka Hospital.

You have got SEG 4 and SEG 5, so exactly how much of this $150,000 is for SEG 4 and how much to SEG 5 so that the debate is clear.

HON.

S.V.
HON.

S.V.

RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, if I can speak on that, and also I have Emergency Ambulance Service and I believe I had increased that to $1 million.

That is on that is on activity Head 22-2-2 (5).

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- That is a different motion that we have got here?

HON.

S.V.

RADRODRO.- Yes.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- So that one is defective, now we look at this one.

SEG 5 is more in order.


We will address this one by Honourable Salote Radrodro to move: That Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 2, SEG 5 - Emergency Ambulance Service be increased by $1 million.

That is very, very clear.

2210 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- I second the motion.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, Honourable Radrodro, you may speak on this motion.

HON.

S.V.

RADRODRO.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.


On that, Emergency Ambulance Service, that is to cater for those like having to go for operation and they are in the Old Wing and they have to go right down to the New Wing and they been transported outside, for example, if they are in Lancaster Ward, they come down the lift and they actually take that passage through to the Maternity Unit and outside so that they can reach the new extension where the operating theatre is.
According to people who have brought up this concern, that it is very intimidating and inhumane when they are already sick and they are wheeled out there at public view, particularly going for operation and then coming back after operation.

I think some Honourable Members of this House had that experience too.

That is why for this ambulance service, if that could be provided, it would bring a more dignified journey, say from Lancaster Ward right to the Operating Theatre and then back after the operation.
Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- So for that passage from Lancaster Ward to the Operating Theatre and back, you are needing $1 million?

HON.

S.V.

RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, because for the ambulance.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Just $1 million for ambulance?

HON.

S.V.

RADRODRO.- Yes, to have an ambulance so that to carry the patients rather than them being wheeled all the way outside to the Operating Theatre.
I am sure no one in this House wants to be treated like that MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Does anyone else wants to speak in support of this motion?

No one seems to be speaking in support of the motion, I will ask Honourable Minister to respond.

HON.

R.S.

AKBAR.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

The allocation of $50,000 for Emergency Ambulance Service is for the maintenance and repair of ambulances, and it is to pay for runs from our nearby health centres to CWM Hospital by the National Fire Authority.
We have a $100,000 grant to St Johns Ambulance for the ambulance services that they provide.

I think what the Honourable member is asking, if she is asking for an allocation of $1 million, it is absurd.

Taking patients from one wing to the other in an ambulance, I so not understand that logic and that is why I do not support this.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- No, but I think Honourable Radrodro has proven a very real problem of wheeling these patients outside and then back in.

Do you have any plans?

HON.

R.S.


AKBAR.- They are wheeled within the corridors of the Hospital.

HON.

S.V.

RADRODRO.- They are being wheeled outside of the Hospital.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- But I can also say, Madam Chairperson, that we have seen people actually within the CWM confines, being brought by ambulance when people, for example, cannot be wheeled.
Madam Chairperson, that we have seen people actually within the CWM confines being brought by ambulance when people cannot travel, when people, for example, cannot be wheeled.

Some people may be wheeled, some people are not wheeled, in particular given their level of conditions, so ambulances are available.
I have seen that in the past week or so, that there are sometimes people who are in the Operating Theatres, who were actually brought in by ambulance brought to the other wards, for example, if they were wheeled, it would cause them a lot of distress so people do get brought in by ambulances.

These ambulances are available to be brought in.


Sometimes they are wheeled, sometimes they are not, and when there is a real need for them to be actually brought in by ambulance, they actually do bring them by ambulance.

So that does happen.


But that particular allocation, I think what the Minister was saying is specifically for the transfer of people from the Health Centres to CWM Hospital but to say that you want a $1 million for the transfer of people from within the confines of CWM from one wing to the other, is rather preposterous frankly, but ambulance services are available should the need arise.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- I think the Honourable Minister for Health has taken note of your concern and she will also address it, without having to approve this $1 million, if it is not approved today.

Parliament will now vote on this motion: Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not Voted - - - 14 29 7 There being 14 Ayes, 29 Noes, 7 Not Voted, the motion is defeated.

Honourable Salote Radrodro, your next motion is just like the other two that have been rejected because of unclear allocations.
The two items that you have indicated here, so that ends that.

This one here is clearer.The motion is that Head 22, Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 6 - Project HEAVEN Trust, be increased by $1 million.

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- I second the motion.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Radrodro, you may speak on this motion?

HON.

S.V.

RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, on that Project HEAVEN , they deal with vision and hearing and particularly, out in the communities.
They reach out to where there is no health facility and not only they go and visit but they actually also provide spectacles and hearing aids at affordable cost.

That request is just to enable them to reach out more into the communities where they would not really be having those kind of services because the rural health facilities do not really have that kind of services to cater specifically for those needing treatment with their eyes and hearing and the provision of spectacles and hearing aids.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Does anyone else want to speak on that motion?

2212 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being none, can we have a response?

Since there is no response, does anyone oppose this motion?

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will now vote on this motion.

Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not Voted - - - 14 31 5 There being 14 Ayes, 31 Noes, 5 Not Voted, the motion is defeated.
The last motion is by the Honourable Semesa Karavaki to move that Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 6, SEG 1 - Allowances be increased by $50,000.

HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- I second the motion, Madam Chairperson.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Karavaki, you may speak on your motion.

HON.

S.D.

KARAVAKI.- Madam Chairperson, this is in regards to the specific allowance that should be paid to those who work at St. Giles Hospitals.
The enabling legislation, Madam Chairperson, provides that these workers because they work in an environment of quite high risk because there are some of the patients that are quite violent in the stage they are in.

The legislation provides that they should be paid with a special allowance because of that, the environment that they work in.
From the enactment of this legislation till now, I understand that they had not been paid with this allowance but it is in the law, Madam Chairperson, that they must be paid with this allowance but they have not been paid.

That is basically what I am proposing, for something to be done to comply with the Act that is there to provide the services.

That is why I am proposing this increase, and I hope the Government will take care of that.

HON.
HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Madam Chairperson, if I could, from the Civil Service Reform Management perspective, with the Job Evaluation Exercise, it does take into account the various types of different level of services required from nurses performing different jobs.

For example, you have seen specialist nurses, you have seen nurses, for example, get up to over 70 percent pay rise, depending on what they are doing.
Similarly, if the job description by the Ministry of Health is tailored in such a way that takes into consideration the specialist and the onerous duties that are required by the nurses who actually work in this area, their salary would be adjusted accordingly.
What the Honourable Member refers to is the old way of thinking, which was that all the nurses essentially get paid the same salary whether at CWM, Twomey, St. Giles, wherever it is, and then you gave allowances should there be some type of hardship.

The new way of looking at things is that, we actually have a job description.
So if I, for example, am working at CWM Hospital and I am say, a senior nurse, and I am doing my normal outpatient’s work, if I then go to St. Giles and I am there even as a senior nurse, my salary would be adjusted accordingly if the job description carries an extra burden.

So the job description will actually give you a higher bracket, and that is how it works.

This Job Evaluation Exercise is cognisant of the different skills as required.
So you would be pleased to know that in this announcement that has been made and you can see the different adjustments and following in the next six months, of course, because as we said earlier on, with the rebasing of the salaries, taking into consideration the different skill sets required within one particular cadre, after January, there will be further adjustments made because then you have the Performance Management System kicking in.
So, so you will find some people making adjustments, as I have read out just now regarding the teachers.

So that is being worked on so these people will actually be taken care of.

HON.

S.D.

KARAVAKI.- …(inaudible) Madam Chairperson, rectify what they have lost during the years because the law provides for that, would that reform take care of what they had been deprived of under the law?

HON.
HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- I think it would be a misrepresentation on my part if I just simply said “yes” because we do not know how far back we have to go.

This is more focus on going forward in respect of what can be done.

Of course, if you are saying, Honourable Member, it has not been done for decades, then obviously we cannot go back 20 years, 30 years.

What we can do is to correct what can be done going forward.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Parliament will now vote on this motion.
That Head 22-2- 6(1) – Allowances, be increased by $50,000.

Does anyone oppose the motion?

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, we will vote on the motion.

Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not Voted - - - 13 31 6 There being 13 Ayes and 31 Noes and 6 Not Voted, the motion is defeated.

We will now vote on the Head.

Parliament will vote on Head No.

22.


The question is that the in Head 22 – Ministry of Health and Medical Services be approved, Does any Member oppose the motion?

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion.

Votes cast: Ayes - 31 2214 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 Noes Not Voted - - 12 7 There being 31 Ayes and 12 Noes and 7 Not Voted, the motion is agreed to.
Head 22 – Ministry of Health and Medical Services, agreed to.

We will now move on to the next item on the Agenda.

Head 23 – Department of Housing MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- The floor is now open for comments.

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.

- Madam Chairperson, on Head 23, Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 10 - City Wide Upgrade; can the Honourable Minister inform us on the progress of Delainasolo.

What is the progress of that project at the moment?

HON.

P.B.
HON.

P.B.

KUMAR.- Madam Chairperson, this is an ongoing project by the Ministry and this is in particular, to do with informal settlements.

We have got many informal settlements around, so until such time the actual subdivision takes place, there is a gradual improvement in terms of footpath, crossing, streetlights.

So that what this fund is for.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Dulakiverata.

HON.


J. DULAKIVERATA.- Madam Chairperson, Head 23, Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 10 - Housing Assistance to Fire Victims; I just seek some clarification on this .

I understand this only applies to people who have their homes burnt within the urban centres.

What about the rural centres and villages?

HON.

P.B.

KUMAR.- Yes, rural and villages too.

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Aseri Radrodro?

HON.
HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, Head 23, Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 8 - - Upgrade of Informal Settlements ($2,774,000) and the Upgrade of Town Wide Informal Settlements ($5,998,587), I just want to inquire with the Honourable Minister, I have seen the list here but it is not including Veiraisi Settlement.

Is that also part of the Veiraisi Settlement on the upgrade of informal settlements?

HON.

P.B.

KUMAR.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

This is an ongoing squatter programme.


We have got two programmes within the Ministry; one is for State land and the other one is on iTaukei land.

The area that Honourable Member has raised, we have already started work on that in terms of providing access and lighting.

Now, there is big development coming in just next week and the developer has asked us for a partnership to relocate them on his land at his cost, also providing houses for 80 households.

So that is why we have not put in any money here.


In fact, Nasinu Land Purchase has given us 10 acres of land to Government, to relocate them but in between, this new developer and Honourable Leader of Opposition is very much aware of it, they have been having consultations with this Baal Sundrum, the developer.

So that is why that allocation is not here.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.
HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Madam Chairperson, just a question to the Honourable Minister on SEG 8, still Upgrade of Town Wide Informal Settlements; does this include the Matavolivoli Project?

HON.

P.B.

KUMAR.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Dulakiverata?

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Madam Chairperson, on SEG 10 - Informal Settlement Relocation ($1,310,000), which informal settlement is this and where are they being relocated to?

HON.

P.B.
HON.

P.B.

KUMAR.- Madam Chairperson, we have got a policy done now on the relocation, that is, to pay compensation.

The draft policy is with Solicitor General’s Office.

We had asked for money because we know that there were some amendments to be made to that policy but we know that these are the type of funds that we will require while we are going to do the actual subdivision.

There will be certain people relocated to other land so that we can have access to roads and all those things.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Ratu Kiliraki?

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- SEG 8 - Upgrade of Town Wide Informal Settlements.

This is in regards to the landowners for Native land.

I understand that some are against the acquisition of the land because of the consultation.

Can the Honourable Minister inform us on this, especially Waidamudamu?

HON.

P.B.

KUMAR.- Madam Chairperson, we do not enter on any land whether it is iTaukei or State land with a development lease.
And the negotiation that took place between the Waidamudamu Mataqali and iTLTB, once they agree, then and only the development lease was given to the Ministry and then we move in.

I can assure this Honourable House that we have not entered into any land without a development lease.

There have been very good understanding with the mataqalis, unfortunately there are some political interference where we are facing it.
It is a fact but I can tell you that much, that most of the areas we have entered into an agreement.

Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

There being no motions.

Honourable Dulakiverata?

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

This Housing Authority- Social Housing Policy, can you just elaborate on that?

HON.

P.B.

KUMAR.- Madam Chairperson, this is to accommodate those people who have paid more than one and a half times.
So what happened before, there were certain people who paid and for example if the principle was 20, they ended up paying $50,000 to $60,000.

So that is written off and it is on a percentage basis - 60 percent Government contributes and 40 percent Housing Authority contributes on that.

Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being no other input, we are ready to vote on this Head.

Parliament will now vote on Head 23.


2216 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 The question is that the amount in Head 23 - Department of Housing, be approved.

Does any Member oppose the motion?

HON.

MEMBRS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion.

Votes cast: Ayes - 31 Noes - 12 Not Voted - 7 There being 31 Ayes, 12 Noes and 7 Not Voted, the motion is agreed to.

Head 23 – Department of Housing, agreed to.


MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you very much, Honourable Members.

It is time that we break for dinner.

We have one-hour dinner and we will start again at 8.00 p.m.

The Parliament adjourned at 7.04 p.m.

The Parliament resumed at 8.05 p.m. Honourable Members, we will continue from where we left off.

Head 24 – Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- We will begin with Head 24, Programme 1, Activity 1.
The floor is open for any comments.

Do we have any comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Head 24, Programme 1, Activity 2, are there any comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- Madam Chairperson, looking at Activity 1… MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- No, we have already finished that, we are now on Activity 2.

Honourable Members, once we have done an Activity, please you have to hurry up, we are not going back, otherwise we will keep going back.

HON.
HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Madam Chairperson, on Head 24, Programme 1, Activity 2, SEG 7 - - Integrated National Poverty Eradication Programme, I just need some clarification on that?

HON.

M.R.

VUNIWAQA.- Madam Chairperson, that is the budget for the Poverty Monitoring Unit that monitors Poverty Alleviation Programmes across of Government.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Any other comments?

There being none, we will move on to Head 22-2-1.

Any comments on this?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.


MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 2, any comments?

Honourable Leader of Opposition?

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- Madam Chairperson, Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 2, SEG 6 - - National Council for Older Persons; if we can have clarification on that?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- I think we need to really streamline this clarification.

Do you think this is not enough or too much so that she can focus on addressing your issue?

HON.

RO T.V.
HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- Just clarification on what age and how healthy or sickly the person is, who can be assisted.

HON.

M.R.

VUNIWAQA.- Madam Chairperson, the National Council for Older Persons is actually an advisory council to the Minister that is chaired by the Permanent Secretary.

What they do, they have divisional bodies that come up with initiatives or issues pertaining to elderly persons and which are then fed into the Minister’s Office for policy making.

HON.

RO T.V.
HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- Is there one in Nausori?

2218 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.

M.R.

VUNIWAQA.- The Council itself, Madam Chairperson, is a national body.

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- Are there any representatives from Nausori area or not?

HON.

M.R.

VUNIWAQA.- We have officers in Nausori as well, they will feed that information as well.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Dulakiverata?

HON.


J. DULAKIVERATA.- Madam Chairperson, Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 2, SEG 5 - , what is this Commission Charges?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Minister?

HON.

M.R.

VUNIWAQA.- Commission Charges is actually the money that Government pays to the bank that I had mentioned this morning and also to Post Fiji for the programmes that we run.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Leawere?

HON.

M.R.
HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Just clarification, Honourable Minister, the National Switch will assist towards that in terms of the ….. HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIIYUM.- Once we have that full in in play then hopefully we do not actually have to have that.

There may be certain areas where we still need to continue because, for example, in the outer islands, you may use the postal services but in most of the areas you can use the Switch.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Leawere?

HON.

M.R.
HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.-Madam Chairperson, on Child Protection Allowance, it is quite a substantial amount there in terms of it being given out.

We have age attached to that.

Can you enlighten us on that in terms of the child, how old are they to be eligible?

HON.

M.R.

VUNIWAQA.- For the child protection allowance, it is children who are in school and they are raised by a single parent, who does not have a source of income.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Ratu Suliano Matanitobua?

HON.
HON.

RATU S. MATANITOBUA.- Madam Chairperson, Head 22-2-2(7) - Child Protection Programme ($1,256,785).

Can the Honourable Minister elaborate on this?

HON.

M.R.

VUNIWAQA.- It is actually the national initiatives towards protection of children.

It includes community awareness, the celebration of prevention of child abuse and neglect, it includes children’s symposium all around Fiji, initiatives that are geared towards the protection of children.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, there being no other comments, we will move on to Head 22, Programme 2, Activity 3 - Senior Citizens Home.

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Head 22, Programme 3, Activity 1 - General Administration.

Honourable Aseri Radrodro?

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, Head 22, Programme 3, Activity 1, SEG 6 - - Grants to Women’s Institutions, just on the clarification of this, does this include also the grants to National Council of Women?

HON.

M.R.
HON.

M.R.

VUNIWAQA.- Madam Chairperson, the Grants to Women’s Institutions of $200,000 is for two institutions - Lobau Women’s Forum and the Makoi Vocational Centre.

For the other women’s group, that is a different allocation.

NGO Grants - $150,000, that is with Fiji Women’s Federation of $200,000.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.-Thank you, we will go on to the motions.
We have motions proposed from the Honourable Salote Radrodro to move that: Head 24, Programme 3, Activity 1, SEG 6 - – NGO Grants, be increased by $500,000.

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- I second the motion.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Honourable Radrodro, would you like to speak on your motion?

HON.

S.V.

RADRODRO.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.


That request is to specifically cater for faith-based NGOs, particularly with churches, to sort of address family life in regards to building up or strengthening the spirituality of our country in regards particularly, young women and the youth.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Does anyone else want to speak on this motion?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, Honourable Minister, would you like to make comments?

HON.

M.R.
HON.

M.R.

VUNIWAQA.- Madam Chairperson, just in response to that, we do recognise the immense contribution of religious bodies to the work that we do at the Ministry.

But for NGO grants we look at the particular aspect of the work that they do that relates to, as we can see here, women and gender development.

So if there is a church out there that does work for women and gender development, they can apply and we will assess them on an ad hoc basis.
But we cannot be giving a blanket, a grant to religious organisations for this.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

We will now vote on this motion.

The motion reads: That Head 24, Programme 3, Activity 1, SEG 6 - NGO Grants be increased by $500,000.

Does anyone oppose the motion?

2220 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion.
Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not Voted - - - 13 27 10 There being 13 Ayes, 27 Noes and 10 Not Voted, the motion is defeated.

The next motion is by Honourable Salote Radrodro to move that Head 24, Programme 3, Activity 1, SEG 6 - Women’s Plan of Action be increased by $200,000 HON.

A.T. VADEI.- Madam Chairperson, I second the motion.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Salote Radrodro, would you like to speak on your motion?

HON.

S.V.

RADRODRO.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.


That request for increase is specifically having to establish the database.

As we have heard before in the House that the Women’s Database is still not done or incomplete and this is to specifically cover that area and to ensure that it is completed.

Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Anyone else would like to speak on this motion?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Minister, would you like to make some remarks on that?
HON.

M.R.

VUNIWAQA.- Madam Chairperson, matters pertaining to data is dealt with under Head 24-1-1.

As you can see, there is an Item in SEG 7 that talks about Data Migration.

We are looking at the issue of data holistically as a Ministry, and we are starting off with Social Welfare matters before we go on to gender.

That is not to say that we are not collecting data on gender as we go along.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.


Parliament will now vote on this motion that Head 24, Programme 3, Activity 1, SEG 6 - Women’s Plan of Action, be increased by $200,000.

Does anyone oppose this motion?

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion.

Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not Voted - - - 14 31 5 There being 14 Ayes, 31 Noes and 5 Not Voted, the motion is defeated.

Honourable Members, we will now vote on Head 24.


The question is that the amount in Head 24 - Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation be approved.

Does any Member oppose the motion?

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion.

Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not Voted - - - 30 14 6 There being 30 Ayes, 14 Noes and 6 Not Voted, the motion is agreed to.
Head 24 – Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, agreed to.

We will now move on to the next item on the Agenda.

Head 25 – Ministry of Youth and Sports MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- The floor in now open for any comments.

We are looking at Head 25-1-1.

Are there any comments?

Honourable Dulakiverata?

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

On Head 25-1-1(7) – Leasing of Multifunctional Copiers ($25,920).
My question is; why are you paying this much for leasing, might as well buy one?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Minister?

HON.

LT. COL. L.B.

TUITUBOU.- Madam Chairperson, this is a new allocation, we are leasing multifunctional copier.

We see it is cheaper than buying the new one.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- The Honourable Member, in fact, it is not peculiar to this Ministry.

Generally most of the sophisticated copiers are now leased.
So you pay on a number of times you copy as supposed to having to buy one for below $10,000, $15,000 and $20,000.

This is more of a user pay system that is what it relates to.

And they come and service it for you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, any other comments?

Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.


BULITAVU.- Madam Chairperson, on Head 25-1-1 (10) – Upgrade of Youth Training Centers: Naleba and Naqere Training Centre and Valelevu Training Centre, the upgrading projects, they appear again in this year’s budget and last year.

I am seeking clarification on this.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- A clarification, Honourable Minister?

HON.

LT. COL. L.B.

TUITUBOU.- Madam Chairperson, this is an on-going project.
It is our long-term plan to develop all these training centres by upgrading every year.

2222 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, any other comments?

There being no other comments we move on to Head 25-1-2.and I invite comments, if there are any?

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- Madam Chairperson, that Aid-in-Kind right at bottom, Madam Chairperson, can we have some clarification on that and how can youths engage in that project?
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- What is this Aid-in-Kind, please can you just clarify?

HON.

LT. COL. L.B.

TUITUBOU.- Madam Chairperson, those are grants from organisations, like UNDP.

They will give in kind not in cash and any youth club is accessed to it, as long as they are registered under the Ministry.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Can you give an example, Honourable Minister?

HON.

LT. COL. L.B.

TUITUBOU.- These are for income generating projects.
If they need a canteen, they will give items for the canteen but they do not give cash.

This is for income generating projects or other projects that come from the youth.

We will give it to them in kind not in cash.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- They also had the cost of consultants.

So UNDP may have some specialists or new capacity building.

so they will come and give a lecture on that so that is part of the Aid-in-Kind also.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.
HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being no other comments, thank you.

We will move on to Head 25-1-3 - Research, Policy, Information and Planning.

Any comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

We will move on to Head 25-2-1 - General Administration.

Do we have any comments?

Honourable Leawere?

HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Madam Chairperson, on Head 25-2-1(10) - Construction of Rural Sports Complexes; does these include Kadavu and Vunidawa?
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Minister?

HON.

LT. COL. L.B.

TUITUBOU.- Those are on-going projects; one in Vunisea in Kadavu and one in Sawaieke in Gau.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Prem Singh?

HON.

P. SINGH.- Head 25-2-1(6) – Overseas Sports Tournament.

Does this include South Pacific Games?

HON.

LT. COL. L.B.

TUITUBOU.- Yes, we are hosting a lot and having a tour too next year, as I have alluded to in my Budget speech.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Are we in the South Pacific Games next year?
It happens every three years.

HON.

LT. COL. L.B.

TUITUBOU.- For the South Pacific Games, no.

But we are taking part in the Mini South Pacific Game and we are going to Papua New Guinea.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Ratu Suliano Matanitobua?

HON.

RATU S. MATANITOBUA.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

On Head 25-2-1(6) - Hosting of International Tournament.

This will be held in Fiji?

You will be hosting a lot of tournaments next year?

HON.

LT. COL. L.B.

TUITUBOU.- Yes.

HON.


RATU S. MATANITOBUA.- Secondly, Madam Chairperson, on Head 25-2-1(10) - Construction of Rural Sports Complexes; I have been asking about Vunidawa.

Vunidawa is not included in this?

HON.

LT. COL. L.B.

TUITUBOU.- It is a Chinese Grant and because of the land acquisition, we are waiting for PA and the Roko to come up with two more because the current one that was specified was turned down by the Engineers.

It is flood prone and they needed other two sites so.
After those two sites surveyed by the Engineers, they will recommend one of them, so right now we are still waiting for that Engineering Report and the Ministry of Lands.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments?

Honourable Leader of Opposition.

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- Head 25-2-1(6) – Sports Grant for Persons with Disability.

Can the Honourable Minister clarify who is eligible for that?

HON.

LT. COL. L.B.

TUITUBOU.- Those with disability.

HON.

RO T.V.


KEPA.- But what is the grant about, is it physical disability or all types of disability?

HON.

LT. COL. L.B.

TUITUBOU.- All types of disability.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Any other comments?

There being no motions, we will vote on the Head.

Parliament will now vote on Head 25.

The question is that the amount in Head 25 - Ministry of Youth and Sports be approved.

Does any member oppose the motion?

HON.


MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion.

2224 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not Voted - - - 29 12 9 There being 29 Ayes, 12 Noes and 9 Not Voted, the motion is agreed to.

Head 25 - Ministry of Youth and Sports, agreed to.


Head 26 – Higher Education Institutions MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- The floor is now open for any comments on Head 26-1-1 – General Administration of the Higher Education Institutions.

Honourable Leawere?

HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Madam Chairperson, Head 26-1-1(6); do you have the number of students enrolled there?

HON.
HON.

DR. M. REDDY.- Madam Chairperson, they have around 100 students in the first year, second year 200 and third year 300, so around 300 students but they do not have all those on campus because some are on attachment.

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Just a clarification in terms of the grants given to the Universities, USP, University of Fiji and FNU.

There seems to be a fluctuating amount, what is the basis of the grant from last year to this year?

HON.
HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Of course, we met with the Higher Education Commission and they have also been doing their assessments.

If you see in USP, there has not been that much fluctuation, it is only a question about $528,000.
For the University of Fiji we have given them additional funding because Higher Education Commission has been actually going out and doing the assessments, independently of the Ministry itself, looking at the requirements for those universities, for the students, their courses and based on that whether some of them are making a profit or not.

So for example, Sangam is making a profit, some of the other one’s are not, for example, Montfort Boys Town.
You will see that the allocation has been increased, including Veisari.

They are providing various courses that are quite useless.

They are not necessarily in duplication of those courses, they are reaching a particular socio-economic category of students within our society and they need to build the capacity.

So that is on that basis.

We have had about two or three meetings altogether, of course, the Minister was there and then we had a meeting dependently on them.
As highlighted in the budget address also, for example FNU which is a conglomeration of different institutions that existed prior to FNU being put together.

We have got the ArNett.

FNU needs to get ArNett so that is where some of the courses are going and also to be able to ensure that these institutions actually attract credible lecturers and tutors, to ensure that the quality of the courses being taught are actually up to par.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu?

HON.

RATU.

N.T.
HON.

RATU.

N.T.

LALABALAVU.- Just a point of interest, why is Tutu no longer included in this Higher Education Institutions?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chairperson, Tutu is under the Ministry of Agriculture allocation, together with Navuso.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Leader of the Opposition?

HON.

RO T.V.
HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.-On Head-26-1-1(6) – Centre for Appropriate Technology and Development (CATD) in Nadave, does this include maintenance and repairs because it is a very good complex but it is a bit run down it needs repairs and maintenance?

Is this allocation to do with maintenance and repairs as well?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- It is the overall cost of running the institution.
For example, the schools that we actually own like FNU, they have no other source of income so if you see in SEG 10, you will see those allocations for capital cost have been allocated there.

They also essentially do with FNU whereas for the others, we do not have the capital allocation for them.

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- The Provincial Councils use this complex a lot and it is much run down, so it really needs a lot of maintenance and repairs and hopefully this might help in it.

HON.
HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- I think as and when the need arises, we make the various allocations for it, but at this point in time, there is none.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Leawere?

HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Just a clarification the CATD in terms of the reporting lines, is it still through the Ministry of iTaukei or in terms of reporting?

HON.
HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- The Higher Education Commission is an independent body and it actually deals with it in respect of allocations, et cetera, they give us their reports on them, so you can see all of these are actually independent institutions, even though FNU, for example, they are 100 percent owned by Government, they have their own Council, they have their own governing structure, all of these have their own governing structure.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being no other comments, Parliament will now vote on Head No.

26.

The question is that the amount in Head 26 - Higher Education Institutions be approved.

Does any Honourable Member oppose the motion?

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion.

Votes cast: Ayes No Not Voted - - - 29 15 6 There being 29 Ayes, 15 Noes and 6 Not Voted, the motion is agreed to.
Head 26 - Higher Education Institutions agreed to.

2226 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 Head No.

30 – Ministry of Agriculture MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- The floor is now open for any comments.

We are looking at Head 30-1-1 - General Administration.

Do we have any comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Head 30-1-2, do we have any comments?

Honourable Parmod Chand?

HON.


P. CHAND.- Madam Chairperson, Head 30-1-2(9) - Farm Mechanisation ($1,540,000); can the Honourable Minister clarify what form of farm mechanisation and what machinery?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- I did state this yesterday, the primary objective of Farm Mechanisation is to procure farm machinery to help in land preparations so that we can get economy of scale in farming.
Activities include the procurement machines for Agriculture Stations and, of course, with those who can afford to pay their contribution as well.

It can be excavators, dozers including swamp dozer, rotovator, et cetera.

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- Head 30-1-2(10), I would like to move a motion to increase the land clearing allocation there.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Any other comments?

HON.


A.M. RADRODRO.- Yes, Madam Chairperson, Head 30-1-1(10), just a clarification on the capital grant for AMA which is an increase from $4 million last year to $5,600,000.

What is the capital expenditure?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Which SEG are you talking about?

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- SEG 10 - AMA capital grant $5,600,000.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- We are into Head 30-1-2.

So, any comments on that?

Honourable Dulakiverata?

HON.


J. DULAKIVERATA.- Madam Chairperson, Head 30-1-3(7) – Ongoing Fiji Agricultural Statistics System - $500,000, procedure for what, is it some software or something?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

This is in partnership with Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

We have started with this exercise in the last two years but, Madam Chairperson, the Ministry of Agriculture is also mandated to conduct Agriculture Census after every two years.
So, this is where one will be building up and this is very important for us in terms of the future clustering our farmers so that they be serviced better.

We are developing this agriculture statistics over the last two years and the increase in allocation is simply because we are building on to the agriculture census as well.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any more comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Moving on to Head 30-1-3.

Honourable Vadei?

HON.


A.T. VADEI.- Head 30-1-3(5) – Annual Lab Proficiency Fees.

I have a motion to increase the Proficiency fees.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, can you fill the form, please.

Any more comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

HON.

S.D.

KARAVAKI.- Madam Chairperson, can I just seek a clarification on SEG 5; we had the Lab Hygiene or other Lab related issues over there.

I would like to ask the Honourable Minister, which one deals with the testing of soil?

HON.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Yes, Madam Chairperson we do soil testing in Koronivia in our chemistry lab.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- So under which allocation is the soil testing?.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- I do not understand your question.

Any allocation for soil testing, just comes under the normal research operational costs, it is not a capital programme.

HON.

S.D.
HON.

S.D.

KARAVAKI.- Madam Chairperson, because I would like to move a motion for an allocation to be considered for that Head and that is why I am asking because, Madam Chairperson, the farmers would like to know the direction.

They are to take the kind of soil they are using and what type of crops to plan and it is very important that they are directed in the right direction.

When they know of that soil type, you know the composition of minerals.

Thank you.
Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- You are providing the solution, Honourable Member.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chairperson, on research particularly on soil testing, there is a new technology now.

They just have a probing equipment now that can give you all the soil details just with one simple probe.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- And you are providing the service.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- That is part of our extension services.
We are distributing that and there is no need to bring the soil sample now to the laboratory unless you really want detailed analysis of the various components and minerals content.

But in terms of CDT level and the basics, just with the simple probe, it is like a cone, you just prod that it gives you all the results.

HON.

S.D.

KARAVAKI.- We still take the soil to Koronivia.


There are farmers who are still taking the soil over there for soil testing and they pay for the fees, unless the soil is passed through an agriculture officer then they do not say.

If they take it directly over there, then there is a fee for them to pay and for new farmers, the important of funding, study those information and the fees they paid is quite discouragement for them to.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- You would like to propose an increase?

HON.

S.D.
HON.

S.D.

KARAVAKI.- Yes, I would like know which one.

2228 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.

COL. LT. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- We will come to Programme 2, Activity 3 which covers the specific areas of research.

Then you will see the details of agriculture, research services, tree crops, horticulture, rice research, planting materials, tissue culture laboratory.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Head 30-1-4, any comments?

Honourable Leader of Opposition?

HON.

RO T.V.


KEPA.- Madam Chairperson, Head 30-1-4(7) - Agriculture show, where is that now?

How often do you have the agriculture show and maybe some clarification on that from the Honourable Minister?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chairperson, there are four held every year, one per division and we have just completed the Central Division Agriculture Show lately.

There are four in a year.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Dulakiverata?

HON.


J. DULAKIVERATA.- Madam Chairperson, I would like to move a motion on Head 30-1-4(7).

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Please, fill the form.

Any other comments?

We will move on to Head 30-1-5and then to Head 30-2-1.

Honourable Bulitavu?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Madam Chairperson, on Head 30-2-1(7) – Taveuni Coconut Centre, last year it was $100,000, this year it is $200,000.

What has caused the increase?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- You want further increase or reduction?
HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- I want to inquire first, there is an increase and what has caused, is it the upgrading of this Centre?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson, Taveuni Coconut Centre is where we have what we call the whole nut processing plant.

Apart from the research that had been conducted in Taveuni over the years, that is the new addition now to their station.
Mua Station, what we call the wholenut processing plant and we continue to add new machines based on the different products that we are doing in the station.

Of course, the relevant training that they conduct to the various stakeholders and coconut stakeholders as well, so that is for the whole nut processing plant, Madam Chairperson.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Any other comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being no other comments, we will look at Head 30-2-2 - Extension.
Honourable Parmod Chand?

HON.

P. CHAND.- Activity 2 on SEG 8, Madam Chairperson, there is Cocoa Revitalisation Programme, which is $550,000.

I would request the Honourable Minister to inform, there are cocoa plantations in the Northern Division, especially Nayarabale, Dreketi, Savudrodro and Vanuavou ).

Is there anything in this allocation of $550,000 for those particular places?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chairperson, this allocation has been increased on cocoa, simply because of the high demand now for the Fiji cocoa beans so we have the cocoa mobile team that goes in the various areas.

Of course, there are a lot of cocoa projects in Vanua Levu and of course in Viti Levu as well.
The allocation is given to these cocoa projects that were established in the ‘70s, ‘80s, but there is a lot of work that needs to be done to revitalise these existing plantations, Madam Chair.

HON.

P. CHAND.- I was requesting a specific answer for Naiyarabale in Dreketi, Savudrodro and Vanua Vou Cocoa Plantations for they have been really run-down and this will create a lot of jobs there.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, let me inform this Honourable House that in terms of the prioritisation of the cocoa projects, we are working with the private sector because there has to be a buyer who is committing before we go into the projects, and we are working with “Adi Chocolate”.

In Vanua Levu, there is one already in Drawa.


He is sort of working together with the communities in Vanua Levu to look at all the cocoa projects in there but we work very closely with the private sector, so that when we invest into this project, we ensure that there is a buyer as well, and that very much determines the priorities for us.

HON.

P. CHAND.- If you do not have a buyer, you will not go and support these areas for revitalisation of the cocoa.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- No, it is in terms of prioritisation.

It is about allocating the limited resources that we have, so we have logged all the cocoa projects already.

We will definitely visit all these cocoa projects and some of these projects too, Madam Chair, if I may also mention, during the cocoa nucleus programme then, most of these were leased, but now some of these neglected plantations, the leases have expired as well, so this is all part of the project.
Also, the renewal of the leases and ensuring that there is a buyer and then we work together in the revitalisation but definitely we are revisiting all the projects.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Viliame Gavoka?

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- Can I be given an outline on the scope of the Sigatoka Valley Development?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, Sigatoka Valley Development is a project that has been ongoing for years.
This is mostly where our vegetable farmers, what we call the BQA registered farmers.

These are the exporters and these Sigatoka Valley allocation is simply to cater for them.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments – Honourable Leawere?

HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Just a clarification, Madam Chair, on SEG 8 - Yaqona Development Programme and Dalo Development Programme, is this a form of assistance to the farmers or what is it about?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- That is the assistance to the farmers.


2230 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Madam Chair, still on the same SEG, on Farm Access Roads.

What farm roads are entitled to access this allocation?

Can we have some kind of indication because some had applied from Serua in terms of their farm access roads but they were not assisted on SEG 8, the last item, Honourable Minister?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, again when we talked about SEG 8 this morning, I said that there is also an allocation on farm access roads in the Ministry of Agriculture allocation and it is $2.5 million.

Again this allocation has been increased and I am thankful to the Ministry for Economy.

It is the same process as well for those who are interested.
They just report to the Office of the Provincial Administrator (PA) or the District Officer (DO) or even to the Ministry of Agriculture, we do the assessment on them.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- If I can just add to that, the breakdown of farm access roads, the sum of $1.5 million support for the following divisions: 1.

2.

3.

4.
2.

3.

4.

Northern Division, $300,000; Central Division, $500,000; Western Division, $500,000; and Eastern Division, $700,000; An additional $500,000 will be for upgrading of farm roads in Taveuni.

Given the various requests highlighted during the National Development Plan, the National Budget Consultations, so out of the $2.5 million, $500,000 actually is going to Taveuni.

HON.
HON.

P. CHAND.- Madam Speaker, on that same SEG 8 – Cottage Industry Development ($200,000), I request the Honourable Minister to enlighten the House on what sort of things are going to be in this industry?

What are the different products?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, this was an allocation that was previously with the Ministry for Women but a few years ago, it has been transferred to the Ministry for Agriculture, simply because most of the projects undertaken in as far as the cottage industries is concerned involves our women but agriculture-related as well.
For the 2017-2018 period, it involves costs for our meetings and consultations with the groups and the various stakeholders but projects mainly involve weaving, drying and work-house-shelter materials.

Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) is very big now for our women and also masi and voivoi planting.

These are all covered under the cottage industries.

A lot of our women are into handicraft as well now; from agriculture-related, so this is all the support that they get from this cottage industry.

HON.
HON.

P. CHAND.- What is the market situation like?

You mentioned about the cocoa, if you do not have a market, you will not do revitalisation.

In this one, do we have any specific markets?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chairperson, again in all our projects, the most important thing is the market.
I will give you an example, on VCO, now even if they do not have a buyer to buy their VCO directly from the communities, they just sell to the nearest AMA facility or copra mills facility and those two government-owned entities have been tasked to buy all that, so we ensure that there are markets for those products.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Ratu Kiliraki?

HON.
HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- SEG 8 - Rotuma Island Development Programme ($100,000), I understand there was supposed to be an export programme to Tuvalu, the dalo from Rotuma but that did not work out so whether that is included in this programme, Madam Chair?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, the Tuvalu-Rotuma Trade did not work out, not because of us but because of Tuvalu’s inability to send their ship Nivaga to Rotuma.

That is part of the deal.


They provide the shipping but unfortunately the Nivaga is very old and it is going through a lot mechanical problems.

The arrangements that we have now all the dalo is purchased by EMA.

So, Rotuma Council informs us when the dalo is ready and of course we go and pick up all the products from Rotuma.
At the same time, there are some developments going now with our research, hopefully once cleared by Biosecurity, we should not only restrict these to crops but we will go into other commodities as well.

But right now, for the information of this Honourable House as well, Rotuma is our biggest supply for coconut planting materials.

Our seed nuts, we are collecting from Rotuma because of the path taken by TC Winston Rotuma is now our biggest supplier for seed nuts on coconut.
So, we are buying coconuts from Rotuma, Madam Chair.

HON.

P. CHAND.- On that statement on this Rotuma one, is that dollar sufficient for the programme that you are going to do since you have said that we are getting coconut seeds from the island therefore a lot development and work needs to be done there.

But I must express my best of interest there.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, it is sufficient but again on coconut we are all working together with the Rotuma Island Council because of the difficulties in shipping as well, we are hoping that they would be able to do some valuable business as well.

But for this year, we are looking at simple animal projects, animal health, backyard piggery farms, organic piggery farming, and some research projects and of course the technical advisory services as well.
One of the interesting things, I have talked about organic farming in Rotuma is teaching us a lot of lessons on organic farming.

What they did in Rotuma, Madam Chair, is that they fenced an area and they used the pigs to do the land clearing.

After one week, the land is bare and then they start planting, so everything is there, the manure and then they bring in the sheep to do the weeding in the dalo plantation.

Instead of pesticides and weedicides the sheep’s come and do the trimming.
So, it is very interesting farm in practice and they doing in Rotuma and something that we all should learn from.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Organic.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Organic, Madam Chair.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Madam Chair, I just want to comment one thing about the connectivity with Tuvalu.

You may have seen in the media that now we upgrading the airport in Rotuma which will allow the ATR especially to land and go onwards to Tuvalu.
That could also provide the link and also the ability to carry some cargo between from Rotuma to Tuvalu.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments?

2232 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being no other comments, we will move on.

Honourable Bulitavu.

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Thank you, Madam Chair.


Just the dalo and the yaqona development programme here, last year we heard the cyclone rehabilitation for these two crops but this is a different allocation, it is a continuing programme from the rehabilitation.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, this is just normal allocation.

We specifically asked for the rehabilitation allocation because of TC Winston.
But with this one thing that we are encouraging now is the nurseries for them to have the dalo and yaqona nurseries as well.

Madam Speaker, that is a very interesting development now - yaqona nurseries.

Farmers from Nasolo in Bua visited one in Navunisole in Tailevu yesterday.

I have got pictures here on my mobile that is the technology that we need too.

We raised their seedling in the nursery and then we distribute it to the farmers.

So, it is raised in plastic pot.


MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Dulakiverata.

HON.J.

DULAKIVERATA.- Just want to make further comment on the cocoa revitalisation programme.

This allocation of all the $500,000 you know with the number of big plantation in Fiji, we do not need to wait when you find the market then you start working on this plantation.

I think we should start working in this plantation because there is market out there.

In Wainibuka they have been selling beans to one agent in Nadi.
They could not supply the demand.

They cannot meet the demand.

So, we should also look at value adding like drupelets and all those things the small scaling industries to revitalise this industry because this is their 1000 of acres of cocoa which was established before and the landowners never realise the return from this plantation.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, move on to the Programme 2, Activity 3 in Research.

Any comments?

HON.

S.D.


KARAVAKI.- Can I ask, Madam Chair?

Madam Chair I have asked earlier in the earliest activities and I was hoping to find something here on Activity 3.

If it is not here in anywhere in SEG 8,then I would ask the Minister if they could seriously consider that because this is the beginning of any farmer to know the soil composition.

For example, Madam Chair, if someone wants to plant dalo there is a special kind of minerals that they need into soil for dalo to form good root.
But most of the dalo farmers is using poultry manure which gives nitrogen, which helps in the good growth of dalo but it does not give the good root.

It needs a different minerals like phosphate.

So, that is why the importance of having the soil to be tested so that the farmers can know what kind of manure to use.

Some of the soils are very much depilated they would need a lime to help with the soil because it is so debated to the extent that almost nothing can drove.

You know only grass.


That is the importance of having a soil testing allocation because it needs proactive part of the ministry to do that to go out to the farmers because most farmers they just plant it and they give up because they cannot get the product that they are looking because they have no ideas of the soil composition.

If it is not there if they can take this into account because these are the people who will give and help in a very significant way to the economy of the country.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, Madam Chair.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, as I have stated previously, soil testing is normal to day to day function business in the agriculture ministry.

So, there is no special location.

That is the job of technical people in chemist and laboratory.

Can do all the soil analysis and the allocations are given accordingly.

HON.

S.D.
HON.

S.D.

KARAVAKI.- Madam Chair, I am sorry I cannot find anything so I am not in a position whether to suggest an increase or decrease because there is nothing here.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- I think we know that it is an ongoing activity of their natural council, the testing of soil.

HON.

S.D.

KARAVAKI.- Madam Chair, the fact is that the farmers out there and most of them they know nothing about soil testing.
It needs proactive parts on the Government to go to the farmers so it needs some kind of allocation.

I do not think there is something there to provide the kind of service now.

Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- I am sure the Honourable Minister is taking note of it.

Though I know I have spoken to farmers up in Lomaivuna you know anytime they want a soil testing they just go to the Agriculture Officer in Lomaivuna and the person goes and test the soil.

HON.

S.D.
HON.

S.D.

KARAVAKI.- I just took the soil last week, Madam Chairperson,….

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- But I think if you had asked an Agriculture Officer to come and test in your farm they would have come.

Honourable Vijay Nath?

HON.

V. NATH.- Madam Chairperson, it is a simple test often the farmers can … MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- No, the accessibility of testing he is asking?

HON.

V. NATH.- It is normally three things, you can have a acidic test, soil can be neutral or the soil can be alkaline.
So all depends if you think you need a test to be done, just take a sample and call a Field Officer and he will do the testing.

It is a simple testing… MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Does the Field Officer go to the farm to test the soil or the does the farmer take the soil to the Field Officer?

HON.

V. NATH.- It can be either, Madam Chairperson.

HON.

S.D.

KARAVAKI.- I take it to the Lab and they determine the cost.

HON.

V. NATH.- I think it is already there on Programme 2, Activity 3, SEGs 8 and 9.
It is included in there.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chairperson, it is related to the cropping if you look at SEG 8 we have Agriculture Services -Tree Crops.

You have Agriculture Research 2234 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 Service - Horticulture so it is related to the crops.

If he is a rice farmer and he wants his soil tested this is where the cost is in-build because the soil is the medium for any agriculture unless you do hydroponics.
So it is related to the activity that the farmers have undertaken.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- If the farmer is going to your Lab taking soil to be tested and it is costing him $100 that is the issues that it has been raised.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- You are talking about the allocation or you are talking about the fees?

We are talking here about the allocation not the fees.

HON.

S.D.
HON.

S.D.

KARAVAKI.- Madam Chairperson, it is about the allocation and the fees because the farmers need to take their soil to the Lab.

When they go to the Lab they had to pay more $100 fees for the soil to be tested and if they are not to pay for it they will have to go through the Agriculture Officer for the Agriculture Officer to take it over there and then that they would not pay for the fees.

If they take it directly then they would pay for the fees.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Let me find this out, Madam Chairperson.

I am not aware about these huge fees that Agriculture is levying on the farmers.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Yes, we will leave that to the Honourable Minister to find out.

HON.

S.D.

KARAVAKI.- Yes.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Vijay Nath, you want to say something?

HON.

V. NATH.- Madam, there are a lot of national ways of controlling it.
Often you can add lime or you can plant legumes plants after planting.. MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- No, we need to test the soil.

HON.

V. NATH.- That is the simple test Madam Chairperson.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Vadei?

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.


That was the same issue that I requested for the increase because I looked through I did not see any soil testing because to encourage farmers or the resource owners who could do commercial farming they need to be engaged for serious work in the subsidy of the testing of their soil.

That is the commitment to agriculture and if they are joking then I believe it is not a laughing matter.

Thank you.

(Laughter) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.


But you are laughing yourself, Honourable Vadei.

(Laughter) The Honourable Minister is taking this seriously and he is going to investigate into this especially the fees issue.

Honourable Ratu Kiliraki?

HON.


RATU K. KILIRAKI.- I was just commenting on Honourable Karavaki because he is invested so much in his dalo farm and he wants a return and as Honourable Nath says what he requires is the advice from the agriculture after testing’s then they recommend what manure they put into the soils.

So I concur with the Honourable Member.

MADAM CHAIPERSON.- Thank you.

The Honourable Minister has already commented on that?

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- Yes.


SEG 7 – Post Harvest Losses Operational Support ($120,000) - need a clarification on that one.

Where does it apply?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Minister?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

We have talked about this a lot in this House about value addition and that is exactly the programme.
Right now we are working with the Fiji National University, together with their Engineering Department on those that are doing the course on Food Technology.

This is exactly on value addition so that we can minimise the losses because not everything is going to be taken by the fresh market, those that do not meet the Grades can be value added.

Flour processing from cassava, breadfruit and vudi this is all about that Post Harvest Losses Operational Support.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.


Is there any other comments?

There being no other comment, we will move onto Programme 3, Activity 1 on page 189.

Any comments on that?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Parmod Chand?

HON.

P. CHAND.- Madam Chairperson, on SEG 5 – Purchase of Veterinary Drugs.

Firstly, I would like to ask a clarification, is this Fiji wide for all the Veterinary Officers in Fiji?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Purchase of Drugs?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Veterinary Drugs.


HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Veterinary Drugs are only prescribed by Veterinarians.

HON.

P. CHAND.- Yes, I do understand.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- It is only the Ministry of Agriculture that purchase this.

HON.

P. CHAND.- Looking at this $13,000, we have had very bad experiences with the Labasa Veterinary Office.
Every now and then there are out of animal drugs such as if you have dogs, if you have animals that dogs ticks there, they do not have medicine and they have to buy out from Suva.

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Inaudible interjection) HON.

P. CHAND.- Yes, I believe I should move motion for the increase of this so that our Agriculture Officers are fully equipped.

2236 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Can you fill up the form, please?

Thank you, is there any other comments?

HON.


MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being no other comments.

We will move on to Programme 3, Activity 2, any comments?

No comments?

Honourable Aseri Radrodro?

HON.

A.M. RADRODRO.- Madam Chairperson, SEG 10 – Beef Multiplication Programme I saw the same amount has been allocated last year has been allocated again this year.

Can we just get an update on the progress of this Multiplication Programme?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

On Beef Multiplication Programme we are thankful that we are currently having our partner in this.

They just visited the country, this is from Australia a consultancy group has come to our assistance on the Beef Multiplication Programme.

We have been talking about the new technologies, artificially insemination but the latest partnership, Madam Chairperson, is on what we call the Embryo Transfer.
So that is the progress now on the Beef Multiplication Programme.

If I may also cover the Beef Development Programme there has been indications from the farmers now.

I was in Sigatoka last month meeting with the farmers of Tilivalevu and Yalavou for the revival of the Beef Schemes which is very, very encouraging for us.

So this Beef Multiplication Programme is focusing now on the genetics so that we can improve the genetics again, to improve our breeding and development programme on beef.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.

- Any other comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being no other comments, we will move on to Programme 3, Activity 3 - research.

Any comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.

- So we will work on the motions that are here.

We will move on to Programme 6, activity 1 on page 193.

Any comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.

– We will work on the motions that we have here.


And the first motion is being proposed by the Honourable Viliame Gavoka to move that Head 30 be increased by $2 million in programme 1, Activity 2, SEG 10 with respect to land clearing.

Does anyone second the motion?

Honourable Gavoka please speak on the motion.

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- Thank you Chair.


Chair, primarily in the sugarcane areas, a lot of land that is lying idle, they used to grow cane before are now overgrown and a lot of them are adjacent to the railway systems.

Whether the main roots or the trunks are very fertile and they could be turned around very quickly to help in the production of our sugar that we all want to see.

There are two ways with sugar, Madam Speaker, with our party.
Firstly, any lease that is due to expire we will do everything possible to renew that lease.

But the land that is lying idle, that used to grow sugar, we will encourage the land owners to develop them and for that to happen, a huge work is required to clear that land.

If you drive through the western division and I believe also in Macuata a lot of that land used to be cane land but are being left to be idle and growing a lot of trees and all that.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.

– So the lease was not extended?


HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- Sorry?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.

– What was the reason the land is no longer being used for cane planting.

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- The reason why?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.

– The reason why it is now vacant.

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- Yes, well at the time when the land was returned, farmers tried to cultivate them, but then sugar was not economical and all that.
It was a difficult period but now that we are re-invigorating the sugar industry and we have cluster formula, there are a lot of farmers clustered and with high mechanisation we can revive, and we are getting feedback from our people that want to get back into cane farming.

But for that to happen, a great deal of clearing has to happen.

That is why we are suggesting that we do this.


And not only in cane Madam Chair, also in the Sigatoka Valley, up in the valley a lot of land in there where they used to grow.

I mean Sigatoka used to known as the salad bowl.

You go up there now, you only see agricultural activities on the lower end of Sigatoka up to Naduri up to Raiwaqa.

Beyond that a lot of fertile land are over grown.

(Laughter) All right look we can laugh, but it is all part of the evolution of the landowners.
They got the land, when we came back to them, they did not have the ability to continue with the farming for many reasons.

They should not just say, whose fault, they should know the stereotype.

The time is here to revive, to offer a helping hand and get them to cultivate their land.

We want onto Keiyasi, beautiful land, Madam Chair but over-grown.

We can sit back here and point our finger at them as stereotyping but we need to clear the land to grow.
That is why we believe that strongly we need increases and take this on a huge scale clearer up this land and make them tenable again for farming.

Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

HON.

LT .

COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chairperson, we will discuss sugar later, this allocation is for non-sugar agriculture.

We will come to sugar later and they have their odd allocations for their plantation, this is for non-sugar agriculture.

HON.
HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Madam Chairperson, also for the record, it was this Government that has allocated a huge amount of money for land clearing, it is $2.5 million before there was pittance, in fact there was hardly any money given for it at all.

If you see progressively over the past years, we continuously increased it and the Minister of Agriculture said earlier on that the Ministry of Agriculture is very focus on this before there was no such allocation.

This is being done.
This is being done.

2238 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 I would rather go along monologue about it but the reality is that Ministry of Agriculture has freely given to take $2.5 million.

We need to obviously simply do not just because of some piece of land lying idle.

It is not just we agree on for the sake of it.


Obviously, you need to have the farmers trained, you need to know what they going to plant and they the Ministry of Agriculture comes along with add its own cost, clears the land, does the drains et cetera.

Then they go ahead and plant whatever they want to plant.

That is how the system works.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Still open comments.

HON.

S.D.
HON.

S.D.

KARAVAKI.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson, the most difficult part for a farmer is to begin, is to start because there is no capital but the land is there, I know this, Madam Chairperson.

I went into farming and there are huge, huge trees on the land and to clear those trees up, is not an easy thing.

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of interjections) HON.

S.D.

KARAVAKI.- Yes, so that is why it is important to consider an increase in this allocation.
To help the farmers and stop clearing because it is not born by the Ministry Of Agriculture, the total cost.

There is a portion allocated for the farmers to pay.

There is a portion allocated for the farmers to pay.

It is actually 10 percent for the farmers to pay.

The rest is paid by Ministry of Agriculture.


That is actually what is going on and I think the Government should really seriously consider this for this sector to grow to a level that is unprecedented, it must seriously consider this for the growth of the economy of the nation.

Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Are we talking along the same thing, you are talking about cane land and is talking about the agriculture which are we… HON.

V.R.
V.R.

GAVOKA.- Yes, Madam Chairperson, it is a national issue and canes also.

There is a provision for cane fine but farmers, as Honourable Karavaki said, you there are people now who made a mistake made 10-20 years ago, no one will get into farming.

Are we just going to continue to say whose fault?

Whose fault?

Whose fault?

I mean that is, we follow Fiji First philosophy of whose fault, no one is going to get out of this.

That is all they say whose fault?

Sure we made a mistakes some years ago.


It is time to restart.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Because we have a landowner and you go and clean the land.

The landowner does not want to farm.

Then you are just clearing it for nothing.

This is why we want to see the root cause of why that land was left to be out of road because I know that you know the last Government they gave $10,000 to try and get the landowners to do some cane farming.
They took the $10,000 and did not farm and that is the reason why they were left overgrown, so this is why you cannot force yourself on the farmers.

The farmers themselves have got to come to you and ask for assistance than they commit themselves to that.

Otherwise, you go and create it and do not want to farm but the fact is that they have allocation for clearance of land if the farmers need it.1 HON.

S.D.

KARAVAKI.- They are told that there is no….. MADAM CHAIRPERSON.

– No there is a….

HON.


LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, the allocation for land clearing just got approved a few days ago.

It was one of the ones that we asked the Ministry of Economy to get it cleared so most of this will be out of the system, that and the agro subsidy.

I also wish to state Madam Chair, that on land clearing dealing with non-sugar agriculture, there are allocations within the different commodities that cater for all the farming activities.
Say for example there is a $1 million allocation in ginger, so that includes the land clearing, drainage et cetera.

This is the extra, because the main idea behind this is so that we can graduate farmers from the subsistence level into semi-commercial and then to the commercial.

We start them off with the allocation on rural and outer island.
Market oriented, low scale and then once they have performed well than we start moving them up through these allocations but the various commodity allocations that is where, there is allocation already for those purposes Madam Chair.

So it is sufficient.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.

– Honourable Gavoka there is allocation already made.

HON.

V.R.

GAVOKA.- Alright.

There is a tractor in Keiyasi and there is no operator and they have been saying coming, coming, coming.
So I mean this is the kind of issue that we are up against with the FijiFirst Government.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair again that is our responsibility.

Government has its processes as well.

We are putting additional tractors now.

We have bought 8 tractors and of course the dry land tractors by the Chinese for rice have been distributed in the various stations but for us to get the operators we will have to through the normal process again.
But definitely we will bring all these operators and whatever that is needed.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.

– Thank you.

Any other comments?

Honourable Samuela Vunivalu you want to say something.

HON.

S.B.

VUNIVALU.- Thank you Honourable Chair.

This is in regards to what Honourable Gavoka was saying.

I know most of the farmers who are listening now, they may be laughing at us because if you want to be farmer you have to stand up on both of your legs.
It is not that someone else will come and pull out all these vaivai and all these guava trees, it is you.

If you want to be a farmer, you have to do all these work than you are going to be a real farmer, than you can achieve what you want.

It is not that the Government will go to everywhere around Fiji and Vanua Levu and the maritime areas to do all the cleaning.

It is the farmers and I am also a farmer.

We did not do that.

HON.

S.D.

KARAVAKI.- You go and try it.

HON.

S.B.


VUNIVALU.- I have tried, I have got cane.

HON.

S.D.

KARAVAKI.- What happens, you are driving taxi?

(Laughter) HON.

S.B.

VUNIVALU.- Taxi?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.

– Honourable Members I think that is enough.

So we will now vote on this motion.

There is a motion on the floor, that Head No.

30 be increased by $2 million dollars, Programme 1, Activity 2, SEG 10 with respect to land clearing.

Does anyone oppose this motion?

HON.


MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) 2240 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 MADAM CHAIRPERSON.

- There being no opposition Parliament will vote on the motion.

Votes cast: Ayes - 13 Noes - 31 Not Voted - 6 There being13 Ayes, 31 Noes and 6 Not Voted, the motion is defeated.

The next motion is by the Honourable Anare Vadei to move that Head 30 be increased by $100,000 in Programme 1, Activity 3, SEG 5 with respect to Annual Lab Proficiency Fees.
Does anyone second this motion?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- I second the motion, Madam Chair.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.

– Honourable Vadei you have been seconded.

Would you like to speak on your motion?

HON.

A.T. VADEI.

- Madam Chair I withdraw that motion.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.

– Thank you.

That alternative has gone.

(Laughter) Next one is by Honourable Dulakiverata to move that Head 30 be increased by $520,000 in Programme 1, Activity 4, SEG 7 with respect to Agriculture Show.
Honourable Dulakiverata’s motion, do you have any seconder?

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- I second.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Honourable Dulakiverata you may speak on your motion.

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.

- Thank you Madam Chair, the agricultural show is getting very, very popular.

The last allocation was $180,000 and it has increased to $480,000.
So why I ask for an increase, is to have more of these things in a lot of centres because it encourages farmers to produce good crops so they can bring to the show and also gives the opportunity to other people to go and buy products from the show.

It is a very good meeting place and all agricultural goods are there.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.

– Would you like to be specific please Honourable Dulakiverata.

Right now they have got agriculture shows in four divisions.
Can you be specific you want more in a division?

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.

- More.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.

– Two in each?

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.

- Yes.

You can stagger out the timing.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.

– So 8 Agriculture Shows in one year?

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.

– Yes.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.

– Does anyone want to speak in support or non-support of that motion?

HON.

MEMBERS.

- No support.

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.

– Come on man.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.


– I am asking Members, do you want to speak in support of the motion?

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.

- I support the motion.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.

– Support?

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.

- Yes.

But we need one in Rotuma as well.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.

– You need to speak to justify this motion.

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- I support that motion Madam Chair and I think we need one in Rotuma as well.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.

– It is on different motion for Rotuma.


We are talking about the 4 divisions.

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- I know, and also we need the students to be part of that show as young farmers.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.

– All right..

Thank you Honourable.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, previously there used to be only two, one in the West in Lautoka and then one in the Central Division.
Now we have increased it to four because we noted when we had two, most of the other farmers were left out and that is why we are bringing it to the divisions as well because some of them have difficulty in coming to the venues.

So we are decentralising.

And we are taking, but not to that big scale, particularly for Lautoka, but we are taking it to the islands as well.

When the Honourable Assistant Minister went to Rotuma, they took a team, just a small Agriculture Show in Rotuma.
Same thing in Kadavu but in terms of the allocation as well for the Honourable Member, we also have partners in agriculture that provides sponsorship for the agriculture show but we take note of the interest and we have also discussed about previously we used to have the Fiji shows just for animals.

Probably as time goes by and when the beef programme rolls and sheep breeding programme as well and we might separate between crops and animal shows.
But we work in partnership with the private sector and there is a lot of sponsorship from private sector as well.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.

– Thank you.

Parliament will vote on the motion.

The motion is that Head 30 be increased by $520,000 in Programme 1, Activity 1, SEG 7 with respect to Agriculture Show.

2242 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 Does any Honourable Member oppose the motion?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.
HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition, Parliament will vote on ths motion and the motion is that Head 30 – Ministry of Agriculture be increased by $520,000 in Programme 1 – Policy and Administration, Activity 4 – Information Services, SEG.

7 with respect to Agriculture Show.

Does any Member oppose the motion?

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition.

Parliament will vote on the motion.


Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not voted - - 13 31 6 There being 13 Ayes, 31 Noes and 6 Not Voted, the motion is defeated.

Thank you Honourable Members and the next motion is by the Honourable Parmod Chand to move that Head No.

30 – Ministry of Agriculture be increased by $87,000 in Programme 3 Activity 1 – SEG 8 with respect to Purchase of Veterinary Drugs.

Does anyone second the motion?

HON MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- No, there being no seconder.


(Laughter) You have to look for a seconder, and his own party man did not want to second him.

HON.

MEMBER.- I second the motion.

Thank you, it has been seconded, so Honourable Parmod Chand you can speak on your motion.

HON.

P. CHAND.- Thank you Madam Chair.

I am seeking increase of $87,000 to make it $100,000 for Purchase of veterinary drugs as the livestock production is increasing in the Northern Division and throughout the nation.
One of the reason is land leases have being expiring and a lot of people on diversifying into this kind of farming and it is very important for the veterinary officers to be equipped with drugs pertaining to all these animals like goat, sheep, cattle and even pig, chicken, duck and also people have a lot of pet animals like dogs and cats.
As much as I know a decade ago even sometime far back, these officers were fully equipped and people will just go to the veterinary office and they will be able to get all these drugs and their animals will be treated with drugs which was very good.

As I had said due to expiry of leases the people are putting more interest in developing their farms by a way of having sheep as I have mentioned earlier like goat, cattle and et cetera.
It is very important that individual farmers will not be able to stock these kind of drugs and medicine so we have a Government Centre which should be fully funded in providing all this to the people so that every now and then people can go to the office and get support.
Many times we see when duck, goat or sheep start dying due to lack of medicine or other factor some people just easily lose the full stock, so it is very difficult for people to come up again with these kind of things because of lack of finances et cetera, which makes it very hard for them to come up again and I will, as I said in my motion that I have moved a motion to increase this budget from $87,000 to make it $13,000 with $87,000 which makes it $100,000.
This will properly equip all our vet officers to have all these veterinary drugs which will be very useful for the farmers and the people of Fiji.

Thank you Madam Chair.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Does anyone else wants to speak on the motion?

Honourable Minister for Agriculture, would you like to make comment on what has been said?

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Again, like research Madam Chairperson, there are allocations in the various livestock sectors as well.
For example, on research in Programme 3 Activity 3, you will see chemicals in there as well so there is allocation in the various livestock programmes as well that complements the allocation on drugs, Madam Chair.

So, the allocation we feel is sufficient, based on the assessments made by the field staff and of course according to the livestock programmes in the various areas.
Of course we do acknowledge that there is significant improvement now particularly with the farmers in Vanua Levu and other areas too and of course we take note of all these programmes.

On the other hand, I also wish to state Madam Chair that one of the biggest challenge that we face now drugs and we are working very closely with our partners particularly with Australia and New Zealand, we have not changed our drugs for a long time and some of the animals are now resistant to the drugs that we have.
This is one of our priorities now as far as drugs is concerned so that we can change the drugs.

There are new drugs available that become more efficient as well so that we can solve the problem of resistance in the animals where these drugs are concerned because they have been in use for quite a long while in Fiji and had not been changed.
MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you, I think you are talking about the livestock while he wants to look at the dogs and cats and all these drugs from the veterinary office, enough from the agriculture office.

Veterinary 4, you talking about dogs and… HON.

P. CHAND.- No Madam that is the difference department that looks after this office.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Yeah, he is talking about veterinary office in Labasa that has been out of drugs.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, I always say this and a lot of people are confused between a livestock officer and a veterinary officer.

We in the meantime are doing a lot of para veterinary courses, Para veterinary is another level above but you are not a qualified veterinary officer.

2244 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 FNU is now doing Veterinary Courses, Veterinary degree and we hope that through this certification programme they will also qualify.
Currently in the Ministry, we only have 2 veterinaries, unfortunately in the divisions there are no veterinary offices but livestock officers and some are para veterinary qualified and that is why some of the drugs will not be given to these people because they cannot administer those drugs.
There are drugs that can be used by the livestock officers just to do the sample test like mastitis test but it is just like doctors on prescribed drugs it has to be with the veterinary officer and there is no veterinary officer in the west but the only 2 that the Ministry have, they do also conduct research in Koronivia, research in the pathology lab and of courses they also do the rounds as well but with the civil service reform we able now to attract because 6 veterinary posts in Fiji but still yet to be filled due to the terms and conditions, but with the new reform we should be able to attract veterinary access.
HON.

P. CHAND.- You spent 10 years in that Ministry you should have been able to train some veterinary officers, too longer time a decades.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair we have trained veterinary officers that is the medium to long term fixed while the short term fixed….

HON.

P. CHAND.- Something needs a quick fix.

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of interjections) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

We had enough debates on this one we will now put this to the votes.

The motion is that Head No.


30 – Ministry of Agriculture be increased by $87,000 in Programme 3 – Activity 1 – SEG.

8 with respect to Purchase of Veterinary Drugs.

Does anyone oppose this motion?

HON.

MEMBERS.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being opposition.

Parliament will vote on the motion.

Vote cast Ayes Noes Not voted - - 13 31 6 There being 13 Ayes, 31 Noes and 6 Not Voted, the motion is defeated.
Honourable Members Parliament will now vote on Head 30 – Ministry of Agriculture.

The question is that the amount of Head No.

30 – Ministry of Agriculture be approved.

Does any member oppose the motion?

HON.

MEMBRES.- (Chorus of “Ayes” and “Noes”) Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not voted - - 31 13 6 MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- There being 31 Ayes, 13 Noes and 6 Not Voted, the motion is agreed to.

Head No.

30 – Ministry of Agriculture, agreed to.

Thank you Honourable we will move on to the next item on the agenda.
Head 31 - Ministry of Fisheries MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- The floor is now open for any comments and we are looking at Programme 1 – Activity 1 on page 197, do you have any comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- We will go to Programme 1 , Activity 2 any comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Programme 2, Activity 1 any comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Programme 2 Activity 1 – any comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.
HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Programme 2 Activity 2 , any comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Programme 2, Activity 3 – any comments?

(Chorus of Ayes and Noes) HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- Thank you, Madam Chairperson, just on SEG 8 - the cyclone rehabilitation ongoing construction of Fisheries institutional buildings, just the progress on that.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- SEG 8 which one, Honourable Bulitavu?

$1 million.

HON.

M.D.

BULITAVU.- On-going construction of Fisheries HON.


A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- This is SEG 8 , Programme 2, Activity 3.

It is ongoing, progress is taking place.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments?

HON.

P. CHAND.- The $25,000 what will this boat be for?

Clarification.

There can be many other reasons for boats, not only fishing, you do not have to laugh, and you are not so smart.
(Laughter) 2246 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- This boat has been proposed by the Ministry for Fisheries and they are looking at a suitable boat for this and this is why this allocation has been made.

So, you think this allocation is too much, too little?

HON.

P. CHAND.- I wanted to know what is the boat for because $225,000 looks too much.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Is too much?

HON.

P. CHAND.- Yes.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Would you like to propose a motion to reduce?
HON.

P. CHAND.- I just want a clarification what kind of boat this will be and what will BSB for?

So, that is… HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- But I know who you are referring to was laughing at you.

Who was laughing at you?

Then he said to stop laughing.

Who?

HON.

P. CHAND.- There were many of you.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Any of us?

HON.

P. CHAND.- Yes.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Maybe they are laughing at something else not at you Honourable Member but let me tell you what it is for.
There are three MSC vessels, 30ft outboard and 500hp at the cost of $25,000 per boat, one for each division: western, central and northern division, $225,000, 3 boats, 30 ft boats together with the engines - 500 horsepower.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Parmod Chand now that you have got clarification, do you want to speak more on this?

HON.

P. CHAND.- No thanks.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

Any other comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.


MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you Programme 2, Activity 4, any comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Programme 2, Activity 5, any comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- SEG 9.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- SEG 9 - purchase of new ice machine.

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- When can we look forward to that one, Madam Chairperson.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- So, do you want increase, decrease or removal?

HON.

RO T.V.
HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- We just want to know when will this one come?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- They would like one in Wainibokasi.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- The upcoming financial year Honourable Leader of Opposition - in the financial year.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- I think the issue is that they would like to have this ice machine as quickly as possible, they have been out of this ice machine for so long.

HON.
HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Yes we must bill it to the right quality Honourable Member and it will be done in this financial year.

HON.

A.T. VADEI.- Madam Chairperson, on SEG 4 you have got vessels spare parts, is it the same we are going to purchase?

Or for the boat that is in Lakeba.

HON.


A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- There is a general allocation Honourable Member for vessels that maybe existence, I know the winking of the eye maybe trying to be a bit perhaps intelligent about it but the fact of the matter is, there are vessels that needs spare parts and maintenance and of course if the vessels that do get purchased, should there be a need to maintain those vessels then there would also come from that.

There is a general allocation for all vessels.


MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

HON.

RATU K KILIRAKI.- SEG 8 Madam Chairperson, coastal fisheries development for $672,380.

Can we be clarified on those type of developments, same allocation as last year?

HON.
HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- It is to fund the purchase of fish aggregation device and gear technology ($200,000) marine ecosystem and species enhancement ($80,000), procurement of 3 solar powered freezer to maintain fish quality for consumption at ($142,380 and monitoring ($100,000) and CCB ($150,000).

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- We will move on to Programme 2, Activity 6 – Aquaculture, any comments.

HON.
HON.

M.R LEAWERE.- SEG 8 – Madam Chairperson, on seaweed development programme.

Can we have some enlightenment on this?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Sir what is the question?

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Seaweed development programme.

2248 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 HON.
A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Yes that is $59,000 for seaweed development programme to support commercial seaweed production and provide sustainable income, generating venture for rural, coastal and maritime communities for seaweed cultivation.

HON.

M.R.

LEAWERE.- Madam Chairperson, that means the community wherever it is in the maritime areas they can also source that in terms of having seaweed on their shores.

Is that part of it?

HON.


A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- The focus of the programme is to achieve 100 metrics tonne of seaweed, major activities include the procurement of farming materials, constructions of 12 dryings shed and conducting value adding trainings in the maritime and rural communities that are interested in this type of farming.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments, Honourable Dulakiverata?

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- Madam Chairperson, this ongoing construction of multi- species hatchery in Ra.
Is this the same one in Coboni or is a different one?

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Apologies, it is the same?

HON.

J. DULAKIVERATA.- The hatchery in Ra.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Yes, it is ongoing as you know it has been allocated funding previously.
No doubt some of the work has been a bit slow but the fact is, it is continuing we have some issues with the construction and just now someone has actually won the tender to construct for example the staff quarters, installation of the water source and various other amenities that is required to have it fully running as a multi species hatchery.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.

HON.

RATU N.T.

LALABALAVU.- Thank you Madam Chairperson just a question on SEG 8.
Where does the alarm setting aside for marine path, where does that come in?

Why I am asking this is whether it is under agriculture development but I think the Honourable Prime Minister on COP23 has se t benchmark of having 3 percent as dedicated areas for preservation.

HON.

LT.COL.

I.B.
HON.

LT.COL.

I.B.

SERUIRATU.- What probably the Honourable Member was referring to is the marine protected areas, MPAs and Fiji is one of the countries that is really doing well in terms of MPAs and that is part of our voluntary contribution as well to our Oceans commitment, more MPAs - Marine Protected Areas.

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- All I am seeking, Madam Chairperson, where does that come under?

I mean under SEG 8 because we also played our part in there - the qoliqoli owners, seeing that ….

HON.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- Madam Chair, MPAs come under coastal fisheries, it is on Programme 2 on Extension Advisory Services SEG 8 – Activity 5.

Madam Chair, MPAs are under coastal fisheries allocation.

HON.

RO T.V.

KEPA.- (Inaudible) MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- You have another allocation.

HON.

LT. COL. I.B.
HON.

LT. COL. I.B.

SERUIRATU.- It is $672,380 and that covers all - coastal fisheries and the boat that was asked earlier on is more about patrolling our marine protected areas because some of the resources owners have committed themselves to the marine protected areas but they do not have the boats.
So these four boats are to help and of course the Ministry for Rural and Development has also received four boats from the New Zealand Government as well and we will sign MOUs with border agencies, including Fisheries because we do not want that boat to be idle.

So it can be used for patrolling our waters as well because it has got very good capability.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- I have given the breakdown of $672,380 earlier on and part of that $80,000 goes towards marine ecosystem and species enhancement.
And that is what Honourable Ratu Lalabalavu is also referring to in terms of these protected areas.

So that is when you have the species enhancement and you work in the marine ecosystem.

There are places for example in Nadroga there are certain areas they do not fish for a couple of seasons and then you see the stocks actually coming back and then they open it up for a short period of time.
So these are the kind of things we do and then the Ministry of Fisheries will work with the different people, whether its qoliqoli owners with the different areas, that is what they do.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments, Honourable Ratu Kiliraki?

HON.

RATU K. KILIRAKI.- Madam Chair, SEG 8 the two aquaculture; one development and the other one is the food security programme.

The two allocations; can we seek clarification on how these two allocations complement each other?

Thank you.
Thank you.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Honourable Minister.

HON.

A. SAYED-KHAIYUM.- Food security programme is to provide subsidy assistance from the existing 30 farmers assisted in 2016-2017, to further expand their level of business or until they are independent.

Total value for one of the assistance allocated for an existing farmer is limited to $7,000, total value for one of the assistance allocated for new farmers is limited to $10,000.
A total of 55 aquaculture farmers who have been assisted since its inception in 2015.

MADAM CHAIRPERSON.- Any other comments … HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

There being no other comments or motions, Parliament will now vote on Head Number 31 and the question is, that the amount of Head number 31 Ministry of Fisheries be approved, does any Member oppose the motion?

HON.

MEMBERS.- No.

There being opposition, Parliament will vote on the motion.
Votes cast: Ayes Noes Not Voted - - - 32 12 6 There being 32 Ayes, 12 Noes and 6 not voted, the motion is agreed to.

2250 2017-2018 Appropriation Bill 2017 12th July, 2017 Honourable Members, I am taking my time so that we can reach 32.

Honourable Members’ that brings tonight’s sitting to an end because we are now reaching 10.00 o’clock as has been agreed to.
We have now concluded voting up to Head 31, we will now adjourn the Committee of Supply until tomorrow and I will resume at the Speaker’s Chair in order to adjourn the House.

(Hon.

Speaker resumes her Chair) Thank you very much Honourable Members for your active participation in today’s debates.

We have not completed exactly the number of Heads that we were supposed to complete tonight but we have completed enough to be able to complete the whole of this sitting by Friday.
I will now adjourn Parliament until tomorrow at 9.30 a.m.; have a restful night.

The Parliament adjourned at 10.01 p.m.