The synergy of the Waterways and the Environment Ministries will see an improvement in the level of efficiency of service delivery.
Minister responsible, Dr Mahendra Reddy says prior to the merge, the two ministries worked very closely on development projects.
Dr Reddy says the structural move will streamline Government’s ability to direct environmental funding and support towards more adaptation and resilience projects.
“A lot of the work that we do is linked to the environment. We also have to ensure that we take into consideration the care of the environment when undertaking development projects under the Waterways Ministry. Many of the projects undertaken by the Environment Ministry is submitted to the Waterways Ministry for our opinion hence, this synergy will improve efficiency.”
Dr Reddy says the ministry will continue to maintain drainage systems and manage Fiji’s creeks, tributaries and rivers.
He adds the ministry will also continue to ensure that Fiji’s national development does not come at the cost of the natural environment.
The newly combined Ministry will implement coordinated environmental legislation, policies and programs.
The Ministry received an allocation of $69.9 million in the 2018/2019 National Budget.
