People flocked in large numbers yesterday to the Civic Centre in Labasa to take advantage of the first public consultation organised by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation.
More than 200 people from Labasa met the Hon. Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mrs Rosy Sofia Akbar.
The idea of public consultations has been mooted by Mrs Akbar to provide first-hand information to the general public on social welfare programs and attend to any queries regarding the Ministry’s programs.
The new strategy aims to expand the reach out of Ministry’s programs to empower the disadvantaged and poor in Fiji.
There was excitement among those who attended the consultations, expressing gratitude to the Minister for giving them the opportunity to access government’s assistance to uplift their lives.
During her opening address, Mrs Akbar said that similar consultations will be held around the country in the coming months.
“This is the first public consultation organised here in Labasa, giving people the opportunity to directly seek information on social welfare programs and just to hear them out. We are happy with the turnout today and this approach will help us to effectively address the plight of the poor,” Mrs Akbar said.
“We will deal case by case. All of your concerns will be documented and the Ministry will try to respond within 2 weeks’ time.
“All the social welfare programs are processed within certain criteria and we will ensure that all the deserving cases are assisted. We will be organising similar consultations throughout Fiji,” Mrs Akbar said.
Bimla Wati, a 65 year-old widow from Vulovi, Labasa said through the consultation she is now aware about the application processes for the welfare programs.
“I am delighted to be here today and when I heard it over the radio that this consultation was taking place, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity. It was also the first time for us to meet a women’s minister and she is very kind in her approach and advised us on ways we can apply for government’s assistance,” Mrs Kumar said.
A farmer from Vunivau, Labasa, 68 year-old Chandrika Prasad said the new initiatives undertaken by Government are evidence of its commitment to assist ordinary Fijians.
“We sincerely thank the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama for reaching out to us and this consultation has been helpful for the poor people. There are many people who have been assisted through Food Voucher Programme, monthly allowances and Social Pension Scheme. The free education and free bus fare for school children have also been a great help for poor families,” Mr Prasad said.
“During the last floods we were adversely affected and that was when we saw the Prime Minister walk right up to our doorstep to assist us. PM Bainimarama is a leader worth praising and we are truly touched by the compassion shown here today by Minister for Women Mrs Akbar in trying to uplift the lives of poor people.”
The Ministry todate has assisted more than, 17,000 people through its Poverty Benefit Scheme, 2211 recipients for the Care and Protection Program, a total of 11,194 beneficiaries for the Social Pension Scheme, more than 30,000 people are also benefiting from Bus Fare Concession with a total of 1003 recipients for the Expanded Food Voucher Program for pregnant mothers.
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