Government announces number of initiatives after devastation caused by TC Winston

The government has announced a number of initiatives for the people of Fiji after the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston.

43,624 households who are registered under the Social Welfare Scheme will receive a total additional benefit of $19.9 Million which will be paid to them by next Friday.

Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum today announced that 23,035 families that are registered under the Poverty Benefit Scheme will receive an additional $600 for the next three months by next Friday.

Sayed-Khaiyum says 3,257 families who are registered under the Care and Protection Scheme will receive a total of $300 by next week which is an additional payment of $100 for three months.  

He also announced that 17,332 individuals who are registered under the Pension Scheme will receive a lump sum of $300 by next week which is an additional $100 for three months.

Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar said all payments will be made in a lump sum amount by next Friday and from next month all beneficiaries will receive normal monthly assistance.  

Akbar said the government is giving this additional assistance so that people can use this to get back on their feet.