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Fiji

Fiji: Relief work almost completed - Tuisese

Most of the work needed in the Cyclone Ami relief operations have been undertaken, says Minister for Regional Development, Ilaitia Tuisese.
His response came in the wake of allegations made by Labour Party leader, Mahendra Chaudhry, in the media that government must move faster to deliver assistance effectively to cyclone victims.

He said a cut off date is been set for February 14th before the second phase of rehabilitation work in affected areas will continue.

The Regional minister made this statement whilst giving a progressive report on the cyclone relief operations recently carried out in the Northern and Eastern divisions.

He said most of the relief work done extensively covered basic necessities of life such as food, water and shelter.

Mr Chaudhry also alleges that some relief officials who are responsible for relief operations are ignoring members of the minority community and Indo-Fijians.

However, Mr Tuisese said relief supplies provided to the people, included water purification tablets and other supplies from the Fiji Red Cross in the form of family packs and 'black packs'.

Meanwhile, Assistant Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Simione Kaitani has condemned allegations made by Labour Party leader, Mahendra Chaudhry, accusing Government for discriminating against the Fiji Indian community in rations distribution, and that Indian farmers can anticipate not receiving anything."

"This is an outright lie. This is also a slur on the hard-work of both Indian and Fijian public servants who are tirelessly involved in the recovery and rehabilitation work of the devastation caused by Cyclone Ami.

He added the allegation made by Yusuf Roshan, a London-based pro-Labour supporter, that "even Red Cross officials appear to be discriminatory" is totally unappreciative of the international NGSO's great work.