Over 30,000 families affected by TC Winston to be assisted by government’s Help for Home Initiative

More than 30,000 families who were affected by Cyclone Winston will be assisted by the government’s Help for Home Initiative.

While opening the team skilling program for Help for Home Initiative, Minister Rosy Akbar said the initiative will begin by targeting the 12 priority areas that were most affected by the cyclone which include Tailevu, Rakiraki, Tavua, Ba, Lautoka, Nadi, Yasawa, Vanuabalavu, Taveuni, Qamea, Yacata, Cakaudrove, Bua, Naitasiri and the Lomaiviti Group.

Akbar said they are working with Vodafone Fiji, and will introduce pre-paid electronic cards, similar to the M-PAISA, that can be topped up with a specific amount of funds.

She said homes with partial roofing damage will receive $1,500, homes with complete roofing damage will receive $3,000 and homes that have been completely destroyed will receive $7,000.

Akbar said Informal Settlements will also be assisted with $1,500 for partial or complete damage.

She said community halls, churches, schools and those families who are renting a damaged home do not qualify under this initiative.

Today’s training will enable the staff to effectively understand and coordinate the implementation plan for the initiative.