Only 5% receive poverty alleviation assistance

Close to 5% of people living below the poverty line only receive poverty alleviation assistance.

According to the Fiji Bureau of Statistics after the household income and expenditure survey for 2008, the poverty rate stands at 31% of the country’s population.

Director for Poverty Eradication Unit Dr Tokasa Leweni said only 24,000 are targeted in the social welfare assistance scheme which includes cash payments, food vouchers, and bus fare assistance scheme.

However, Dr Leweni said government is not only focusing on the 24,000 but also addressing the needs of others through rural development through the building of roads, bridges, improvement of shipping services and jetties for better access to the major centres.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Provincial Development corporate services director, Meleti Bainimarama said Government has continued to increase its Poverty Eradication Unit budget allocation from around $160,000 in 2009 to $300,000 in 2010 and 2011.

The next and final commemoration of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty will be held in Nabouwalu, Bua tomorrow.


Story by: Sofaia Koroitanoa