$200 top-up initiative

THE Ministry for Women, Children and Social Protection (MoWCSP) is ready to implement a $200 top-up for up to 15,000 existing social welfare beneficiaries living in forecasted paths of a cyclone.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on Monday between the Ministry of Finance, MoWCSP and World Food Programme (WFP) following approval of the initiative by Cabinet last week.

Ministry of Women permanent secretary Eseta Nadakuitavuki said they fully supported the initiative and were working closely with WFP for the cash transfers to selected recipients located in the identified cyclone affected areas.

The AA cash program aims to build resilience by providing the much-needed cash to social welfare beneficiaries before a cyclone hits.

Ministry of Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistic acting head of budget Kelera Ravono said the collaboration marked a significant milestone in the effort to strengthen the country’s social protection mechanisms and enhance Fiji’s resilience to natural disasters.

“Fiji as the first country in the Pacific to pilot Anticipatory Action (AA)related to tropical cyclones, is pioneering a new global concept in humanitarian aid, climate change adaption, disaster management and climate finance,” Ms Ravono said.

WFP country director Alpha Bah said they were committed to working together with Pacific governments and stakeholders to improve the lives of Pacific people, leaving no one behind.

Mr Bah said WFP would provide technical assistance to enhance the rapid transfer preparedness, ensuring that vulnerable have access to the cash.

WFP will provide funds to cover benefits for one tropical cyclone event during the term of the agreement.

The funds will be distributed by the Government through anticipatory cash transfers to eligible households at risk of forecasted cyclone, as determined by the government social protection platform.