A WISH LIST FOR BUDGET

AS GOVERNMENT PREPARES TO MAKE ITS BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENT, FIJI SUN TOOK TO THE STREETS TO FIND OUT THE PUBLIC’S EXPECTATIONS ON THE BUDGET

Yogen Goundar, Lautoka

We are hoping that the Budget announcement meets people’s expectations. I would like to see a decrease on the price of food items. Everything is too expensive.

Mahesh Chand, Labasa

I dont have any expectations, but a humble request to today’s Government is to be in the favour of Fijians who are already struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ama Nakobululevu, Suva

We are expecting to have a huge difference in health care services and Government contribution on future plans, for example, FNPF and sensible allocated figures to support Fiji’s agriculture sector. Not to mention, a separate budget to accommodate the tourism and hospitality sector, should there be another crisis in the future.

Michael Ramendra, Nadi

I believe these are trying time for us and I am expecting a drop on the price of food in the supermarket that will be affordable for the public.

Imtiaz Ali, Lautoka

The price on groceries is very high. I hope to see a drop in the prices. I also hope Government can remove VAT on the price of food items and shift VAT on cars instead.

Ashish Lal, Labasa

This year we can only expect from the Budget that Government should favour all Fijians. We all suffer so we are expecting a good Budget announcement, which will make all Fijians happy.

Naomi Ulita, Nausori

A more inclusive approach for the informal sector, especially during times of world crisis.

Mohit Ali, Nadi

I would expect a tax cut relief and less fuel duty, especially for farming and construction vehicles.

Timaima Marama, Lautoka

The only thing I am expecting to hear from this Budget announcement is the decrease in the price on food items. Many people are not working because of the impact of COVID-19 and the price on food items is too high. Families are struggling to buy basic food items.

Seema Prasad, Labasa

Generally, I am expecting a good Budget that will help people benefit, especially during this pandemic crisis.

Large cuts in social expenditure.

Ritesh Dayal, Nadi

The only thing that I am expecting is for the price on food items to drop.

Sarvina Devi, Lautoka

We want to see a decrease in the price of food items because we need food every day, it is important. Our business is slow, hardly anyone is buying, so the little money I earn from selling handicrafts is used to buy the food that I can afford.

Letila Banokonoko, Labasa

We need a healthy Budget that favours all Fijians and where Fijians can hope for a renewed start. Many Fijians are suffering so we expect the Government to once again treat Fijians equally.

Eparama Wavu, Suva

I want to see more allocations in the rural and maritime development. Particularly in the aspect of communications. Back at home in Bua, villagers have to walk up a hill to get reception. I think it’s also important to provide allocations to rural roads and development because they really need it.

Rajneel Chand, Nadi

I expect funds allocated to repair a lot of potholes on our roads across the country.

Raijieli Lako, Lautoka

Food for children is important, the need for food is very high. At home, we eat what we can afford and what we have from the previous night. We are expecting the price on food items to fall.

Aseri Wereivalu, Labasa

More money allocation on village development as it is a heaven for many. Many workers are laid off from their jobs and the Government should draw up a better help scheme for them.

Akaripa Tuisawau, Suva

An allocation assistance towards Fijians who have lost their jobs because of the pandemic. An action plan to help the people of Fiji get back on their feet.

Salesh Kumar, Nadi

I am expecting to hear that the price on food items fall and made affordable for Fijians.