Minister grateful for help

EDUCATION Minister Rosy Akbar says she is overwhelmed with the support from organisations, individuals and regional partners for the rebuilding of homes and schools affected by super storm Yasa in the Northern Division.

She said so far she had received 500 12ft roofing iron sheets worth $17,400 from Fiji Aid Melbourne and 100 12ft roofing iron sheets worth $3480 from ABS Fiji.

Ms Akbar said she would hand over the roofing material to owners of homes that were severely damaged by STC Yasa.

She said in June this year, Fiji Aid Melbourne had gives a set of 150 computers, 10 printers and 100 pairs of mouse and keyboards to the Education Ministry to support rural schools severely affected by TC Harold.

Ms Akbar said the Melbourne-based organisation had been providing assistance since 2009 to needy Fijian families and supported the Fijian Government’s relief effort towards natural-disaster affected communities.

The minister has just returned from the Northern Division this week after reviewing the status of the 68 schools being used as evacuation centres and to gauge the reality of school opening time frames for 2021.

Ms Akbar also thanked district officials, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Fiji Navy, Fiji Police Force, National Fire Authority, health professionals, volunteers, first responders and businesses who all contributed to the national relief efforts.

“We remain grateful to the Australian and New Zealand governments for their timely response in our hour of need,” she said.

“We are particularly grateful for the deployment of the 600 plus Australian Defence Forces personnel on board HMAS Adelaide at this time, to undertake rebuilding efforts in our communities.”