ReliefWeb

The Fiji National Provident Fund has relaxed the requirements for Natural Disaster Assistance, based on initial assessments and feedback from its members.

In a meeting today (Mon, 29/2), the Board approved the relaxation of the requirements as listed below:

• All members affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston can apply for the $1000 assistance and Quick Repairs housing assistance of $5000

• In addition, members, who wish to help their immediate family in affected areas, are also eligible for the assistance.

• FNPF teams will no longer inspect or visit villages/settlement or members’ houses to verify members’ residential addresses

• The $1000 assistance is available to members regardless of the classification of their dwelling (e.g. agricultural lease, squatter, village, agreement for lease, instrument of tenancy such as titles etc).

This facility would be open for the next 60 days and would be reviewed at the end of this period.

FNPF Board Chairman Ajith Kodagoda announced the relaxation of the requirements to ensure that members can access their funds to help them rebuild their lives.

“Whilst we understand there may be some abuse given this relaxation, it is our hope that a majority of our members will be assisted,” Mr Kodagoda said.

“I wish to apologize for the delays taken in mobilizing FNPF assistance to those of our members who need funds to rebuild their lives following the devastation by Winston.

“The Board has decided, with immediate effect, that all requirements related to the assistance offered by the Fund will be relaxed to ensure that our members have access to funds that can assist themselves or their families in rebuilding their lives immediately.”

Mr Kodagoda said the Board empathized with the suffering endured by FNPF members, and hoped that the relaxation of these requirements will provide relief and peace of mind to our members.

“I also wish to acknowledge the efforts of our FNPF teams who have been out inspecting devastated areas and we thank them for their hard work and dedication,” Mr Kodagoda said.

Members are reminded that the assistance is subject to eligibility in their General Account, subject to audit post disbursement.

“Any withdrawal under the Natural Disaster assistance will result in the general reduction of members’ general account and their total balance.”

FNPF branches will now receive applications from members in Suva, Nausori, Ba, Lautoka, Labasa, Savusavu and Nadi.

Temporary offices will be set up in Tavua and Rakiraki to cater specifically for this assistance.

Meanwhile, the Fund paid out the first batch of $1000 to members in worst affected areas today.

For more information email mediaqueries@fnpf.com.fj