Fiji's Permanent Secretary for Rural Development , Manasa Vaniqi, says divisional commissioners now have the powers to authorise developments in rural areas.
He says the 2011 budget gave them power to spend up to an amount of 1.6 million US dollars.
He says previously there were a lot of delays and bottlenecks in the system.
Mr Vaniqi told FBC News that his Ministry has achieved its target under Pillar Seven of the National Charter by setting up 14 Provincial Development Boards.
Under these Boards are the District Advisory Councils and the Tikina Councils which will be chaired by the divisional commissioners.
All development projects approved by the Tikina Councils and the Advisory Committees will be vetted at the Provincial Development Boards before authorisation is given.
