A Vucilevu, Baravi resident has questioned whether funding for the proposed return of the Senate could be better spent addressing community needs.

Speaking during public consultations on the Constitution Amendment Bill at Lawai Village Hall in Sigatoka, Vuki said infrastructure and support for farmers and fishers should receive greater attention.

She said farmers and fishers needed education, awareness and technical assistance to improve their livelihoods and develop their activities commercially.

Vuki stressed that support did not always have to involve direct funding, as practical guidance could help communities improve the work they already do.

“If you have the funds to get back the Senate, why don’t you channel those funds into other useful areas in the country?”

She also raised concerns about the consultation period, saying Nadroga-Navosa had been allocated only 90 minutes to discuss a document of about 150 pages.

Vuki said she was still reviewing the proposed changes and had prepared around 15 pages of submissions.

Another submitter has called for more affordable housing and mental health facilities outside Suva.

The speaker, whose name was not captured, urged leaders to turn constitutional rights into practical support for ordinary Fijians.

The submitter said high property prices were making it difficult for young people starting families, particularly in urban centers.

He urged the government to use the resources and measures available to make adequate housing more affordable.

The speaker also called for mental health and rehabilitation facilities in the Western and Northern divisions.

“It is about time, it is past due to establish a mental hospital and rehabilitation centre in the western division and in the northern division. As I believe the one based in Suva is not enough to cater for what we are facing and what we should be planning for, planning towards.”

Other proposals included free government-supported land surveys for residential and agricultural purposes to improve access to housing and support food security.

The speaker proposed establishing a sovereign wealth fund using mineral royalties to provide business capital for landowners and support development in the provinces where minerals are extracted.

He also questioned iTaukei Land Trust Board administration charges, proposing that these be removed if other income could sustain the board’s operations.

The submitter raised concerns about compensation for people subjected to malicious prosecution or wrongful confinement and called for the restoration of the Ombudsman’s Office.

He also criticized constitutional immunity provisions and expressed disappointment that the reform exercise was taking place near the end of the parliamentary term.