Govt Praises Groups for Help to Fijians
The Fijian Government has praised non-government organisations (NGOs), religious organisations and individuals who continue to assist Fijians affected by recent tropical cyclones and flooding. Minister for Local Government, Housing, Environment, Infrastructure and Transport Parveen Bala thanked representatives of NGOs and religious organisations who have visited and given assistance to the victims of floodaffected areas around the country.
Mr Bala yesterday visited a few areas in Ba, handing out relief packages and rations alongside organisations and individuals already on the ground helping affected Fijians.
At Elevuka, Ba, Mr Bala distributed mattresses to affected families after most of them lost household belongings in the recent floods during Tropical Cyclone Josie and Keni.
Mr Bala said Elevuka was one of the worst-affected areas because it is right beside the Ba River.
“While the food rations distribution by Government, other NGOs and religious organisations continue, we also want to assist with household belongings such as beddings and mattresses,” he said.
Mr Bala thanked NGOs and religious organisations for preparing and distributing cooked food to affected families in the area.
He said most of the families lost their stoves, utensils and other kitchen items in the floods; thus it was best to assist them with cooked meals.
“In the past couple of days I have witnessed NGOs and religious organisations on the ground assisting Fijians with hot food, which is important because some do not have stoves and other utensils and the best way is to give them hot food,” he added.
Elevuka resident Parvindra Kumar, 55, thanked Government and other organisations and individuals for assisting the victims in these trying times.
He said about 25 houses in the area were flooded at the height of TC Josie and Keni.
Mr Bala visited and distributed food rations and mattresses at Navatu and Maururu.
TISI Sangam Fiji CEO Jai Narayan said the organisation was continuing its drive to help people in areas such as Wailailai and Koronubu, among others. Meanwhile, Acting Prime Minister and Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum paid a courtesy visit to advisory councillors in Ba district yesterday and discussed relief assistance in their respective areas.