Project benefits villagers
AS many as 10,000 Fijians, many of them from villages around the country, are expected to benefit from the World Bank Group supported Jobs for Nature 2.0 program.
One such village that has enjoyed the cash for work benefit of the program is Qarasarau Village in Serua where a visiting delegation from the World Bank Group stopped by to witness its success earlier this week.
Accompanying the delegation was Assistant Minister of Finance Esrom Immanu’el who acknowledged World Bank’s contribution to Fiji’s economy.
“The Fijian Government, in collaboration with the World Bank, provided significant financial support, totaling around $US8.8 million (approximately $F18m to $F19m),” said Mr Immanu’el.
“This funding covered wages for approximately 10,000 public works participants, offering job opportunities for three to six months with the potential for extension up to one year.
“The World Bank played a crucial role in providing technical assistance including training and a diverse range of employment opportunities for vulnerable groups along with skills training and job search assistance.”
Mr Immanu’el said this financial support was evident in the Jobs for Nature 2.0 program.
“The direct benefits experienced by the Qarasarau community included the planting of native and fruit trees, FNPF deductions, the opening of bank accounts, and employment opportunities for ancillary organisations.”
He said the Jobs for Nature 2.0 project had both direct and indirect benefits for Fiji, reinforcing positive resilience and empowering communities through collaborative efforts.
According to Government, the Qarasarau Village women’s club benefited from activities such as solid waste audits, recycling and cleanup campaigns.
The club received approximately $11,461 assisting 24 women, 18 of whom were able to set up their own FNPF accounts.