The second phase of a housing assistance initiative to aid families affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston last February is underway in the province of Tailevu, one of the worst hit areas of the Category-5 cyclone.
This second phase of the Help for Home scheme saw 1,300 financial recipients assisted to the tune of $4.78 million, to help rebuild their homes, in Tailevu North and Wainibuka late last month.
The program is overseen by the Ministry of Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation, which noted the assistance of 23,000 people during the first phase of the program, costing $86 million.
“The Ministry is encouraging those that may have missed out on the first phase to take note of the different venues and dates so that no one is left behind,” it said.
The scheme’s main objective is build back stronger and safer homes that are more resilient to cyclones.
“The Ministry is advising those whose names are not included within the Master list and the Commissioner’s office list; that assessment will be done on site by the respective officers.”
Assistance for affected home owners in the Naitasiri province were due to be carried out from January 4-7, with a $20 million allocation.
The Help for Homes initiative is only eligible to affected households whose annual income is $50,000 or less, and whose homes were declared in the path of TC Winston and sustained roofing damage.
Assistance is presented via electronic cards that can be used at selected hardware retailers to purchase material to rebuild, though homes that have been assisted by NGOs are not eligible for assistance.
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