Finance system costs questioned

Fiji's opposition lawmakers are scrutinizing the significant expenditure on a new government budget system, demanding clarity on deliverables after millions have been spent. Opposition MP Premila Kumar voiced concerns during the debate on the 2026-2027 Appropriation Bill, highlighting that approximately $4.5 million had been spent over the past two years. She questioned the necessity of an additional $500,000 allocation for the current year, asking what work remained outstanding and if further funding would be required to complete the project.

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what work was still outstanding and whether this would be the final funding required for the system.

Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel defended the allocations, explaining that the latest funds would support system maintenance, staff training, necessary upgrades, and the improvement of links with other government agencies. He acknowledged that the system would continue to require financial support as the government progresses with its financial management reforms.

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the system would continue to require funding support as government reforms its financial management processes.

Further questions arose regarding the $24.5 million allocated for the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact Development Funding. Opposition MP Jone Usamate inquired if this funding would solely establish a project team. Minister Immanuel clarified that the money would back the Compact Development Team and the assessment of key projects, including port infrastructure. Additionally, Kumar questioned the annual $60,000 expenditure on Fiji flags, suggesting that old flags could be reused to save costs. Immanuel responded that the flags are distributed as giveaways and cannot be indefinitely reused.

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whether the funding would only be used to establish a project team.