Funds from Australia will help bridge inequalities for the vulnerable sectors of the economy - Vuniwaqa

Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa says COVID-19 in a lot of ways shows the inequalities that exists in society.

While speaking at the amended agreement signing between Fiji and Australia where Australia has given a further AUD $6.6 million to Fiji, Vuniwaqa says the grant that they have received will go some way towards bridging the inequalities that exists particularly for the vulnerable sectors of the economy.

The fund will be directed to the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation.

Vuniwaqa says part of the money will go towards the IT reform of the Ministry that is expected to enhance the service delivery.

While signing the amended agreement, Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the funds will be used to support the continuation of social welfare programs for the next financial year.

Sayed-Khaiyum says the fund will also be used for reforms within the Ministry.

Australian High Commissioner to Fiji John Feakes commended the response of the Fijian Government to battle COVID-19 and says because of that Fiji is now COVID free.

Feakes further says that he believes the economic recovery will be quick.

Australia had already donated AUD $12.25 million to the Fijian Government as part of their COVID-19 relief assistance.