FNPF HELP FOR
FLOOD VICTIMS ON THE AGENDA
News of comfort is coming for those who were seriously affected by the flooding in the Western Division on Sunday morning.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama assured communities in Ba that he has asked the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) officials to look at avenues of assisting those affected.
Those seriously affected are mainly from Rakiraki down to Nadi and were subjected to damage by heavy flooding brought on by heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Cyclone Josie..
“I have advised the FNPF officials to pass out some money to those affected by it (the floods). “Villagers and settlements which were covered by the flood, and have nothing left, they need funds to buy things such as clothes and school books,”,” Mr Bainimarama said. The PM was visibly concerned when he visited various communities in Ba including Yalalevu, Vatulaulau, Nasolo, Moto, and Namosau and Xavier College.
“Ba is very badly affected by the flood. A lot of assistance has to come this way in terms of infrastructure, roads, power and water,” he said.
Last night, the FNPF released a statement. The fund’s chief executive officer Jaoji Koroi said: “The Fiji National Provident Fund will consider assisting members whose properties have been affected by the recent flooding in the Western Division under the Natural Disaster Withdrawal Scheme.’’
Mr Koroi said that under the FNPF Act 2011, the fund can activate the natural disaster assistance for members once a state of natural disaster is declared.
“The details of the assistance will be confirmed over the next few days and the fund would work closely with government on this matter,” Mr Koroi said
“Whilst the Fund encourages its members to save for retirement, it has a social responsibility in ensuring that its members’ social needs are met especially in times of natural disasters,” he said.
The fund also extends its sympathies and condolences to all those who have suffered from the floods. A detailed media statement on this matter will be issued in the next few days.