Informal Sector on Govt’s Radar
Government will soon announce a cash-for-work programme to assist Fiji’s informal sector. The programme was mentioned by the Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum yesterday during his ministerial statement.
The details of the assistance will be announced once consultations are completed and guidelines for implementation is finalised. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said the programme was a reliable way to provide earning opportunities after a crisis or disaster to genuine recipients. It will be limited to workers who can provide proof that they do not have Fiji National Provident Fund accounts and are not registered with Fiji Revenue and Customs Service for Tax Identification Number (TIN).
Those who are eligible will also be required to provide proof of a reliable source of income prior to COVID-19.
“As with FNPF, Government will work in partnership with other organisations or intra-government agencies such as municipal councils, and ministries like agriculture, environment or forestry that can develop temporary work programmes in return for pay,” Mr
Sayed-Khaiyum said.
“These could be in the form of clean-up campaigns in municipal or residential areas, planting trees and/or other agriculture produce. This will ensure that only genuinely affected people are assisted, there is no abuse of funds, and that Government realises value for money on its spend.”
He said they were mindful that large numbers of people turn-up for registration and as such employment opportunities may have to be provided in groups.
In relation to payment, he said they would ensure that temporary workers received decent pay of a daily rate based on one lump sum. “While the impact of the pandemic has been felt across the economy, the impact is not spread evenly. So we intend to roll-out this cash for work programme as a pilot in the Western Division covering Sigatoka, Nadi and Lautoka where the impact on informal sector is more pronounced due to the impact of the pandemic on the tourism industry.”
He also highlighted the four phases of assistance by Government and FNPF and stressed that government will continue to assist affected Fijians for as long as it is required.