Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Mereseini Vuniwaqa has sent out a strong warning to those who have cheated with the application and registration for Homes‑Care initiative.

Speaking to Fijivillage, Vuniwaqa says that they will find out later during their audit as to who is really telling the truth and who is lying with regard to the information that was given for the assistance.

Vuniwaqa says they have not received any reports as of now, with regards to falsifying their application.

She says if people make false declarations, they can be prosecuted, and if they are found guilty, they can be fined $20,000 or face 10 years imprisonment.                               

Under the Homes Care, households with an annual income of under $50,000 who have lost items in their homes or whose homes were damaged or destroyed in the cyclones can apply to receive prepaid electronic cards to purchase materials to repair their homes and replace possessions that were lost or badly damaged.

The Homes‑CARE programme will be open for three months and will aid recipients until 31st July to fully utilise their cards.