Ten hardware companies to provide building materials for "Help for Homes" initiative

Ten hardware companies have been selected to provide building materials under government's "Help for Homes" initiative.

Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar says these companies are Dayals Sawmillers Limited, Carpenters Hardware, CBS Power Solutions Fiji Limited, Vinod Patel and Company Limited, R.C Manubhai and Company Limited, Rakiraki Hardware, Local Woods and Hardware Limited, Kasabias Limited, Refrigeration Electrical Services Limited and Haroons Hardware.

Akbar says all selected retailers have signed agreements where they have agreed to the prices to be provided and the terms and conditions of this initiative.

She says should these companies fail to adhere to the terms and contracts of the agreement, their contracts will be terminated and discontinued as the supplier or retailer for the "Help for Home" initiative.

Akbar has also announced that the first e‑card for the "Help for Homes" initiative will be launched at Balata High School in Tavua by Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama today.

Akbar says they expect all the cards to be redeemed by June 30th.

She adds all recipients will be able to use their cards from next Monday from the 10 hardware outlets.

Meanwhile, 12 priority areas that were most affected by the cyclone have been identified for the initiative which include Tailevu, Rakiraki, Tavua, Ba, Lautoka, Nadi, Yasawa, Vanuabalavu, Taveuni, Qamea, Yacata, Cakaudrove, Bua, Naitasiri and the Lomaiviti Group.

More than 30,000 families across the affected areas will be reached.

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

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

This initiative is for those whose household annual income falls below $50,000.

Government has allocated $70 million for this initiative.