Living with external family members or in the village hall will be a thing of the past for four families of Nadoria Village in Rewa after their newly rebuilt homes were commissioned by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
The families lost their homes to a massive fire that occurred in July last year.
With the assistance of the Rural House Assistance Programme, under the Ministry of Rural and Maritime and Disaster Management, the family members can now enjoy the comfort of their own homes instead of depending on village halls and relatives' houses for shelter.
Rabuka highlighted that the project is a joint effort between the government and the community where three of the recipients were assisted on a cost-sharing basis with the Government under Scheme 2 of the Rural House Assistance Programme.
The fourth recipient who is a social welfare beneficiary, was assisted under Scheme 4 of the Programme - whereby the Government had fully-funded the construction of her new and disability-friendly home.
Rabuka expressed his appreciation to the community for taking the first step towards development.
Highlighting the importance of social development, the Prime Minister pleaded with the Vanua to assist the government in its fight against drug trafficking and poverty while ensuring equal access to quality education, healthcare services and other government services.
He adds that the government aims to create an inclusive society where every individual will have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from economic growth and prosperity.
Rabuka, at the same time, assured the villagers that the government stands ready to assist every community in Fiji.
He also called on the villagers to be 'first responders' in their communities to become resilient in the face of climate adversity.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Lite Drova says it was through the grace of God that such assistance came their way.
She says when their homes were destroyed, they had to move to their relatives, while some of them had to take shelter in their village halls.
Drova says when they sought assistance from the government, they responded accordingly and supported them until the completion of the housing project.
She says they are grateful to the Coalition Government for the great assistance.
Also in attendance at the event were the Minister for Rural and Disaster Management Sakiasi Ditoka, Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services Ro Filipe Tuisawau, Assistant Minister for Rural and Disaster Management Jovesa Vocea and Assistant Minister for ITaukei Affairs Isikeli Tuiwailevu.
