Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, while responding to an oral question in Parliament regarding the establishment of a Whole-of-Government Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Unit, confirmed that this Unit was approved by Cabinet on 3 June 2025.
The Prime Minister stated the new Whole-of-Government MEL Unit will come under the Office of the Prime Minister.
“This decision reflects the growing public demand for accountability and measurable results. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) systems are central to effective governance—enabling evidence-based decision-making across sectors, from infrastructure and healthcare to poverty reduction and community development initiatives. This ensures that policies deliver real impact and empower ordinary citizens,” he said.
Prime Minister Rabuka explained that the national MEL Framework will operationalise the Government’s priorities and innovations as outlined in the National Development Plan (2025–2029) and Vision 2050.
The framework will serve as a practical tool to help Government track progress, improve service delivery, and make better decisions. It aims to ensure transparency, guide the efficient use of resources, and support key national goals such as reducing poverty and improving the lives of ordinary Fijians.
He further emphasised that the MEL Unit will not only monitor resource allocation but also assess outcomes and impact—ensuring that every dollar spent delivers public value, from economic growth initiatives to social programs that directly support citizens.
To ensure timely oversight at the highest level, the MEL Unit has been established immediately within the Office of the Prime Minister, allowing both the Prime Minister and Cabinet to receive real-time updates on the progress of the National Development Plan.
Describing the MEL Unit as the nerve centre of this new approach to governance, Prime Minister Rabuka stated that the Unit will focus on coordinating and harmonising monitoring efforts across ministries to eliminate duplication and maintain a national performance dashboard for Cabinet oversight.
The Office of the Prime Minister is currently finalising administrative matters and will work closely with ministries to facilitate the redeployment of existing monitoring and evaluation officers into the MEL Unit to support implementation of the framework.
“This framework requires our collective support—across both sides of this August House,” the Prime Minister urged. “It is a mammoth task, but we will be resolute in our resolve because our people demand it. This is not about adding bureaucratic layers, but about strengthening checks and balances to make every part of government more effective in delivering results.”
Prime Minister Rabuka reaffirmed the Government’s commitment stating that even though it is in its early days, the MEL Framework reflects Government’s determination to track progress, identify gaps and weaknesses, draw lessons, and make timely adjustments.
“It is about ensuring continuous improvement in service delivery and effectively addressing key priorities such as poverty eradication and uplifting ordinary citizens.”
“Let us take this decisive step together toward a more effective and accountable government. The citizens we serve deserve nothing less. The time for talk is over—the era of results-based governance begins today.”
