A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed this week between Fiji and Papua New Guinea through both countries’ Labour Ministries that will see Fiji provide assistance to its Melanesian neighbour.

Fiji’s Minister for Labour Jone Usamate said the signing extended Fiji’s assistance to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea on Occupational Safety and Health Reform.

His counterpart from Papua New Guinea Minister Mark Maikapai initiated this South-South cooperation between the 2 nations in 2011.

Fiji Roads Authority wants to reassure the public, especially those living in more remote rural areas, that work is proceeding as quickly as possible to repair damage caused by the recent rainy weather.

FRA chief executive Neil Cook, said “The rain was heavy, it was widespread and it continued for a long period of time. This means the road network has suffered across Fiji, but especially in the rural areas where a lack of gravel and a history of poor drainage maintenance combines to make some roads impassable”.

Northern

All roads open

Central Eastern

Levuka Depot

Roads ok but still on road inspection

Debris is building up on the Bureta Bridge and will need to be cleared.

Naqali Depot

Road ok, no damage found. Supervisors still carrying out inspections

Taunovo Depot

Road ok this morning. More rural inspections will be carried out during the day

Rewa Depot

Vuci South Road 0.500km-1.800km, below water. Drainage work to be programmed.

Taiwan’s Trade Representative to Fiji H.E. Ming Chang handed over $30,000 to the Fiji Red Cross Society Director General Mr Filipe Nainoca for humanitarian aid purposes for victims that were severely affected by the recent Cyclone Evan that tormented the Northern and Western divisions.

In 2012, Taiwan also donated $30,000 to the Fiji Red Cross Society last year for victims that were affected by the devastating floods that hit the Western division. The Sigatoka-based Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) also cultivated and distributed seedlings to affected farmers.

The Islamic Development Organization presented $5,000 to the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in Suva today.

IDO representative Abdul Asim said the organization had already been doing some work in the cyclone affected areas with the help of DISMAC officials in the Western Division. However, they could not get access to the islands because of the high cost of travelling and the scarcity of ships servicing the islands.

“So here we have $5,000 in cash to help our brothers and sisters and the children in Yasawa, Malolo and Vatulele islands,” Mr Asim said.

Nadi Town special administrator, Mr Aisea Tuidraki has applauded government’s commitment towards the Nadi drainage project initiative in the jet set town, an exercise poised to mitigate against future floods.

Whilst acknowledging the partnership between the government, Fiji Roads Authority and the people of Nadi in minimising the effects of flooding, Tuidraki said such efforts would go along way for future generation.

Relief supplies for those affected by the recent Tropical Cyclone will continue to be distributed including those living in rural or isolated communities.

DISMAC director Manasa Tagicakibau said rations will be evenly distributed and assessments and monitoring will be undertaken for those that have been severely affected.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has called for the immediate restoration of educational facilities at Bukama School in the Yasawa Group after he witnessed firsthand the damage it sustained from Tropical Cyclone Evan.

The head of government has expressed concern that students who depend on the school will be affected and has instructed engineers from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces to begin construction work.

Temporary food and water rations have been supplied to the Yasawa Islands with a team of officials already on the island, which will also carry out damage assessments.

Commissioner Western Joeli Cawaki said, after the aerial survey yesterday it was a scene of despair to see fallen trees as well as some damage to houses and vegetation by Tropical Cyclone Evan.

“It will take 6months to rebuild houses but we can reassure everyone living on the island that Government will be providing the much required assistance to the various villages,” Commander Cawaki said.