Disaster

Australia is working with the Fiji National Disaster Management Office, Red Cross, the Fiji Council of Churches and other local humanitarian and development partners to help local communities save lives and bounce back from disasters.

Floods and cyclones are a regular occurrence in Fiji. They take lives, shatter communities, inflict economic losses and erode development gains. Since 2009, Fiji has reported over $100 million (F$200m) in damage as a direct result of natural disasters.

Australia is actively helping Fiji better prepare for and respond to natural disasters.

Australia has replenished much needed emergency supplies and restored access to essential services in Fiji after devastating floods which affected more than 319,000 people in low-lying areas of Nadi, Lautoka and Ba on 21 January 2012. On 25 January, the Fiji interim government declared a state of natural disaster for parts of the Western Division.

The benevolent spirit that unites Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) members could not have been better exemplified at a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu, His Excellency Sato Kilman, for the Fiji delegation on Monday, March 12, 2012.

The delegation, which was led by the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama were taken by surprise when PM Kilman donated a cheque of 5 million vatu (FJ$83,640.00) to the Prime Minister as his Government’s donation towards the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for those affected by the recent floods.

More companies and individuals continue to donate towards Prime Minister’s Relief Fund Appeal.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama today received another cheque of $10,000 from a major Chinese company currently operating in the country.

Alcatel – Lucent Shanghai Bell Company sales director Mr Yuemin Peng presented the cheque to the Prime Minister.

He said the company though new in Fiji was well aware of its social responsibilities knowing that Fijian people hold the key to their business success.

Business houses have contributed enormously to the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund and continue to do so.

The Vision Group Limited, the parent company of Courts (Fiji) Limited and who recently acquired Hilton Hotel in Denarau, today donated $10,000 to the fund.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama received the cheque from the Courts chief executive officer Priyaraj Munasinghe together with the other board members of the company.

The Copra Millers of Fiji Ltd presented a donation of $5,000.00 as part of their support towards government’s relief efforts in the western division.

Receiving this donation on government’s behalf this week was the Ministry of Provincial Development permanent secretary Mr India Seruiratu.

Copra Millers Finance and Administration Manager, Mr John Deo said the donation is to assist farmers in the areas of agriculture.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama today expressed his appreciation to those that have been assisting both directly and indirectly to flood relief efforts around the country.

He shared with members of the private sector who donated towards the Prime Ministers Flood Relief Appeal today at his office in Government Buildings.

“I am so grateful to each and everyone who has contributed towards the Flood Relief Appeal,” an emotional Prime Minister said.

The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) today announced the decision of the TLTB Board of Trustees in waiving all annual rent payments of all agricultural lease tenants in the Nadroga-Rakiraki corridor who were affected by the recent spate of floods.

The waiver of land rental fees covers the period from 1st January to 31st December, 2012. General Manager Alipate Qetaki said this was TLTB’s response to the Government’s request, through the Prime Minister’s Office, for assistance to those badly affected by the heavy downpour a few weeks ago.