Australia Adds $9.8million Funding
An additional AUD$6.6 million (FJD$9.8 million) in funding has been given to the Fijian Government through its Direct Funding Agreement with the Australian government.
The initial agreement was signed last month when Australia gave FJD$18 million to assist Fiji in its COVID-19 recovery efforts. Funds given will be channelled towards Information Technology (IT) reforms within the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and continuation of the social welfare programme in the next financial year.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Fiji John Feakes commended the Fijian Government for its quick response to COVID-19.
“The response has been decisive, quick, tough decisions were made and they were made early and as a consequence of that Fiji has emerged COVID-19 free now and I’m sure the economic recovery will also be quick,” Mr Feakes said.
Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa said COVID-19 had revealed the inequalities that existed in society.
She said the donation would go towards bridging the gap in the inequalities that existed particularly for the vulnerable sector. Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the IT upgrade would contribute to the Ministry’s efficient service delivery. He acknowledged the Australian Government’s assistance and stated that it was an indication of their confidence in how Fiji was managing its funds.