MP’s reply unfair
CHAUDHRY:
FIJI Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry claims National Disaster Management Minister Inia Seruiratu’s “I don’t know” comment in relation to Government aid programs for victims of cyclones Ana and Yasa was “grossly discriminatory”.
The former prime minister was commenting on Mr Seruiratu’s response to National Federation Party parliamentarian Lenora Qereqeretabua who had asked if the victims of TCs Ana and Yasa would receive rehabilitation or rebuilding grants.
“I do apologise for this but the answer is I do not know,” Mr Seruiratu had said in Parliament last Friday.
Mr Chaudhry said the FLP had repeatedly called on Government, since Category 5 TC Yasa destroyed homes and crops in the
North, to announce a relief package for victims.
“Our calls were stepped up after Cyclone Ana brought in its wake widespread flooding that caused further damage to homes and crops,” Mr Chaudhry said.
“Minister Seruiratu’s statement in Parliament is the first response by the minister to such queries. And it is totally unacceptable.
“Why is Government differentiating between the victims of Cyclone Winston and those of Yasa and Ana? This is tantamount to treating the people of the North like stepchildren.” Mr Chaudhry said Mr Seruiratu should realise the vast majority of the families affected by Yasa and Ana are rural communities.
“They are dependent on incomes from their crops, or subsistence agriculture for their livelihood and survival.”