$250k NZ aid boost

THE New Zealand government has injected another $250,000 to assist 700 households in 15 communities along Vanua Levu’s Macuata coast.

The assistance, in partnership with ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency International) under the NZ Aid Program, has seen affected villagers rebuild their lives as they recover from STC Yasa and TC Ana.

New Zealand High Commission counsellor development Virginia Dawson said they would continue to support and help cyclone-affected communities recover from the impact of the recent cyclones.

“We are proud to be working with ADRA to provide support to help with recovery from these events,” she said.

“I understand that through the Community Recovery Grant, your communities have cleared debris and we are pleased to help in some way to provide support.”

ADRA Fiji Country director Iliapi Tuwai said it was unfortunate that in the mid of the response after STC Yasa, the second cyclone TC Ana struck.

“It not only delayed the response work on the ground but further affected the targeted communities,” he said.

“Households will benefit from the multipurpose cash injected for livelihood support, giving the affected communities the dignity and freedom to determine themselves what their most pressing and immediate needs are.”

Mr Tuwai said they were grateful to the NZ Aid Program for the assistance to complement the STC Yasa food security and livelihood project for immediate response.