By Felix Lesinaivalu
A mother of five, of which two passed way, was emotional when she got the news that her new home for her and her children will be fully funded through Government assistance.
This was only made possible under the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development’s Rural Housing Assistance Programme in collaboration with Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection’s Social Welfare unit in Taveuni.
Residing in Wairiki, Taveuni, Mereseini Wasa said it had been really tough on her after she had lost her husband in a boating accident and two of her children who fell ill also passed on shortly after.
Ms Wasa said it has been six years since her husband passed away and she now looks after her three children of which one is disabled.
She also thanked her father who helped look after her children.
Ms Wasa said she prayed every day and was so glad that the Lord had answered her prayers with a new home which also caters for a disabled person.
“I make a living through the sewing I do and sell, the money I make from it is enough for me to put food on the table for our family.”
“It was not easy fulfilling my duties as a mother, but with this assistance it has given me new hope that life will get better for my family and I.”
Ms Wasa said she was thankful to the Government of the day, especially the District Officer in Taveuni and the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection who helped her apply for the assistance.
Under the 2024-25 National Budget, it states that the RHA Programme aims to promote safe, resilient, adequate and affordable housing for the rural and maritime areas; thus reduce the disaster risks for vulnerable communities.
The RHA Programme was allocated $3 million in the 2024-25 National Budget.