Calls for honesty as some take advantage of Veilomani Food Bank assistance

The Ministry of Housing and Community Development says it has found people who were already employed and financially capable of looking after themselves, applying for the Veilomani Food Bank assistance.

In a statement, the Ministry of Housing and Community Development says whilst distributing food packs over the weekend, Ministry officials found that a family applied for food assistance although they own and operate few taxis.

Minister Premila Kumar says it was rather unfortunate that some people are trying to beat the system, denying those who desperately need assistance.

She says the Veilomani Food Bank is here to assist those who genuinely need assistance and they can only do this well if members of the public are honest and forthcoming.

She is urging the public to think of those Fijian families who are in greater need and struggling to make ends meet.

She says the Ministry has so far distributed 38 food packs to 38 families living in Suva, Lami, Nasinu, Davuilevu, Koronivia, Valelevu, HART residence in Newtown, Waidamudamu settlement, Cunningham Stage 1, Khalsa Road and Waila.

Those who wish to seek assistance under the Veilomani Food Bank initiative can either visit the Housing Ministry at 33 Gorrie Street to fill the form or call 3309918 to give their details.

For those in the Western and Northern divisions, they can visit the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission office and give their details.

The British, New Zealand and Australian High Commissions, the American and Japanese Embassies, Asco Motors, Office of the Auditor General, the Fiji Development Bank have come on board to assist affected Fijian families around the country.