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Fiji

Fiji: Cyclone victims commended for self-help

Government has commended Cyclone Ami victims who have come forward to assist in the distribution of relief supplies.
Minister for Regional Development, Ilaitia Tuisese today thanked all victims who have taken the initiative of rebuilding their lives.

Mr Tuisese was particularly impressed with the people of Cicia in Lau, who despite observing Sunday religious rituals, came forward to offload the French naval vessel that arrived with relief supplies.

In addition, some villagers along the Hibiscus Highway in Savusavu cleared this road that links villages in Eastern Vanua Levu to Savusavu town.

"Despite the hardship prevalent in the disaster areas, it is motivating to see people come forward to lend a hand which shows that as a nation we are all working together to get lives back to normal," he said.

The Minister revealed that the second consignment of supplies have reached Labasa, Udu, Savusavu, the Natewa Bay area and Taveuni apart from Lau which will be revisited this week.

Deputy Secretary for Regional Development, Savenaca Kaunisela said cyclone victims should try to establish temporary shelters rather than entirely waiting for Government's assistance as survey for this assistance will take time in order to get accurate data the ministry needs.

"Assistance will only be given to those homes have been damaged or completely destroyed, those who are without regular employment and do not have FNPF contribution and building materials for this will not exceed $5600 per house," he said.

National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) Director, Joeli Rokovada said continuous improvements will be made to communication and coordination in disaster situations and the ministry has plans to acquire state of the art technology.