Slash in budget allocation plus member country arrears force USP to rethink its budget

The University of the South Pacific has embarked on measures to contain its finances following the military takeover and the cut in its budget allocation, coupled with arrears from member countries.

Measures taken range from a delay in appointment of academic staff, a freeze on non-academic staff, reduction in corporate credit card limits and delay in capital and repair and maintenance works, a paper from director finance Kevin Davis, dated March 7, said.

This follows concerns that the USP is owed about $4.5million from member countries since December last year. Fiji owes 58 per cent of the arrears, Mr Davis said.

In a move to reorganise its resources and focus on key priority areas, Mr Davis said it could be achieved through across the board budget cuts, and closure of courses and programs.

Source: Fiji Times