Non government organizations will now be part of the rehabilitation process being conducted by Government.
This was revealed today in Lautoka by the Disaster Management Committee director Lt. Col Manasa Tagicakibau after a series of meeting with NGOs was held with the Minister of Provincial Development Colonel Inia Seruiratu.
Lt Col Tagicakibau said the NGOs were brought in to help in the rehabilitation of those living on squatter settlements and other areas that received damage to their houses during cyclone Evan.
“The Commissioner Western has also identified new land of which these squatters will be moved but the meeting with NGO’s this morning clearly identified their role in humanitarian assistance provider for these people,” Lt. Col Tagicakibau said.
These NGO’s included Habitat for Humanity, International Red Cross, Fiji Red Cross, and others funded by New Zealand Aid, and AusAid.
“We will also be working closely with these NGOs on damage to houses in the squatter settlements at the same time Government will continue its direct assistance to houses in villages and schools which suffered the brunt of cyclone Evan,” Lt. Col Tagicakibau said.
“The coming on board of NGOs into the rehabilitation process will lighten the burden of the rehab process.
“They will not only provide humanitarian assistance but will also take on the cost of some work done since most NGOs are funded through AusAid and New Zealand Aid,” he said.
On the other hand there are military engineers, and carpenters who are helping rebuild villages and schools in cyclone affected areas.
The director also highlighted that their meeting in Lautoka was to confirm that as from Tuesday the Declaration of Natural Disaster will be lifted.
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