Procedures in place for names missing from Help for Homes list: PM
Families whose homes were completely destroyed by Tropical Cyclone Winston have been urged not to be disheartened if their names were not on the list for the Help for Homes initiative. Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama made this comment during a visit to the recipients of the initiative at Naloto Village in Tailevu yesterday. “The process has been rolling out well. I’ve also heard that some whose houses were destroyed, their names are missing from the list with the officials,” Mr Bainimarama said. “There are procedures in place as part of this initiative for those whose names are missing from the list. You can fill the forms and the officials will go and inspect your homes.”
He also reiterated the importance of the agreement between Government and the recipients of the initiative in terms of how the funds would be utilised by af- fected households. Mr Bainimarama reminded the villagers that the False Information Act was passed to keep the agreement between the Government and the recipients.
Farmer’s prayers answered
A 49-year-old farmer’s prayers have been finally answered. Taniela Teraka, a kava and root crop farmer of Naloto Village in Tailevu lost his corrugatediron two-bedroom home during the height of TC Winston two months ago. Mr Teraka was among those who received their e-cards as part of the Government’s Help for Homes initiative.
An excited father of four said following the aftermath left behind by Cyclone Winston, he had no other hope but to wait for another three years when he would harvest his kava. “I farm and sell at the Suva market every Friday and Saturday. But after I lost my home I didn’t have anything left and my only option was my farm,” Mr Teraka said. “But when this initiative came and now that I have received my card, I am so thankful to Government for helping us.”
He is currently staying at his parents’ home with his family.