Jone Ramumu of Wainadoi village in Navua is now a happy and relieved man as government’s Poverty Alleviation Programme (PAP) has helped provide a roof over his head.
The 76-year old villager, who is being looked after by his youngest son, is also a Social Welfare recipient. He was identified for the program last year through the Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation and work was undertaken in conjunction with the Commissioner Central’s Office to assist him.
Mr Ramumu said he was so grateful to government for the assistance rendered that he did not have words to express himself.
“I asked for government assistance to build my house about a year ago and I am glad that my plea was heard. It shows that there are people who care about old people like us in desperate need of help,” Mr Ramumu said.
“I am really appreciative of what Government and the Commissioner Central’s office have done for me. I needed an improvement to my house since it was in a bad condition. Now that my house has been built and I am here to witness it, is a big relief to me.”
Government provided a sum of $11,321 to buy materials to construct Mr Ramumu’s rural house inclusive of bathroom facilities.
“I did not pay a single cent from my pocket to construct the house. One of my four sons, who is a carpenter, constructed the house without pay to help me. The villagers of Wainadoi gave me a piece of land and also helped in the construction works. I will forever be grateful to everyone who has assisted me at this stage of my life,” an emotional Mr Ramumu added.
Commissioner Central, Laisenia Tuitubou said the PAP is in line with government’s commitment of assisting the “poorest of the poor”.
“The construction of Mr Ramumu’s house began before Christmas last year and it took only a few weeks to complete. This is all part of Government’s programmes focused on individual well-being and enhancing the living standards of all Fijians,” Mr Tuitubou said.
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