Over 10,000 people including those hit hardest by Tropical Cyclone Harold will receive a one-time payment of $100 this month.
Severe TC Harold struck Fiji on 8-9 April this year, caused an estimated $100 million-damage around the country, injured 26 people, killed one and prompted the declaration of a state of natural disaster in worst affected areas including Kadavu, and southern Lau whose residents are among beneficiaries of the financial assistance.
The assistance is also payable to those affected in Serua, coastal Nadroga/Navosa as well as those covered by schemes provided by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation (MWCPA) namely, Poverty Benefit Scheme, the Care and Protection Allowance, the Disability Allowance and the Social Pension Scheme.
This will be in addition to the regular social welfare payments provided monthly, says a joint release issued today by the ministry and United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).
Director of WFP’s Pacific Multi-Country Office Jo Pilgrim said the financial aid is to ensure its commitment to food security in the Pacific and support shock-responsive social protection.
MWCPA Permanent Secretary Jennifer Poole said the ministry collaborated with the National Disaster Management Office to identify the worst affected.
“We hope that this one-off top up will assist families to recover and prepare for the coming cyclone season. The MWCPA is mandated by the Fijian Government to serve the most vulnerable and at-risk groups and the best interest of our clientele is paramount. We thank our government and non-government partners and the United Nations agencies for working with us to strengthen community resilience to disasters.”
