SHORT TAKES
BUDGET REACTIONS
AN INITIATIVE TO PROVIDE FREE WI-FI FOR STUDENTS OF FIJI NATIONAL UNIVERSITY AT ITS CAMPUSES HAS BEEN WELCOMED. The initiative was announced by Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz SayedKhaiyum while handing down the 2018-2019 National Budget in Parliament last Thursday. Sheenam Chandra
An initiative to provide free Wi-Fi for students of Fiji National University at its campuses and other public Wi-Fi hotspots for an hour a day has been welcomed.
The initiative was announced by Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum while handing down the 2018-2019 National Budget in Parliament last Thursday.
Adi Sereima Sawailau, 20, and 19-year-old Salote Cakaunivalu were pleased to hear about the free Wi-Fi initiative at their campus in Valelevu.
“It is a good thing for us students because it can help in our studies,” said Adi Sereima, a second-year Bachelor of Information Systems student.
“It will help us with assignments and research,” said Ms Cakanivalu who is a second-year Computing Science and Information Systems student.
In the 2018-2019 National Budget, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum announced people could be able to access free Wi-Fi at public hotspots throughout Fiji.
These are My Suva Park, Ratu Sukuna Park, Sigatoka Bus Stand, Koroivolu Park in Nadi, Shirley Park in Lautoka, Ba Bus Stand, Korovou Market, Syria Park in Nausori, Labasa Civic Centre and Savusavu Market.
“This is to give all of our young people – and every Fijian – a community space where they can get online, share and create content with their friends and families,” said Mr Sayed-Khaiyum. In addition, TELS and Toppers’ students will have an increase of bus fare from $15 to $30 a week.
As well, the Government will discount early loan payment of TELS students. According to the A-G, students can get 10 per cent, 25 per cent or even 50 per cent discounts. “Based on what you owe, you will have a set number of years to make your repayments to enjoy these incentives,” he said. Furthermore, students whose parents have a combined income of less than $50, 000 will be applicable for TELS Loans Scheme.
As well as, $1.8 million has been allocated for technical colleges throughout Fiji to continue its ongoing work to make courses and skills relevant and impactful.