The Ministry of Rural & Maritime Development and National Disaster Management is working closely with Fiji’s rural communities to strengthen their economies, provide better quality of life to be economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable through various programs implemented by the Ministry.
One such program that has been assisting rural communities is the Poverty Alleviation Housing Programme. This housing assistance targets social welfare recipients Fiji wide to own decent homes.
Bimla Wati, 66 years old of Saweni, Lautoka was a happy Fijian when she was assisted in the year 2014 by the Commissioner Western Office in the construction of a new home. Ms Wati, a social welfare recipient who sells roti parcels for a living in a local community outside Lautoka town was grateful to government for the assistance.
“I am grateful for the assistance provided by the Commissioner Western Office. They assisted me with my application. I wanted a place within close proximity and they also assisted me in finding this piece of land where my house is built and I am forever grateful to government,” said an emotional Ms Wati.
Ms Wati also recalled the time when she was paying rent of $250.00 per month and the many sleepless nights she encountered worrying about her rent payment.
“With my new home, I don’t have to worry about paying rent anymore and I am now living a happy life,” Ms Wati said.
Commissioner Western Division, Manasa Tagicakibau said the assistance provided an opportunity for rural people to own decent homes at a reasonable cost.
“The program encourages community participation and we also believe that owning a decent home plays a vital role in the process of socio cultural and economic change and development,” Mr Tagicakibau emphasised.
The total cost of the project is approximately $12,000.
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