Some families in the West have nothing to eat

The founder and CEO of FRIEND Fiji Sashi Kiran says the situation in the Western Division has continued to deteriorate with some families now surviving on one meal a day while some families have nothing to eat.

She says the worst effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and unemployment have emerged over the last two months, and they have seen the need for food in Nadi go through the roof.

Kiran adds in the last couple of weeks they have also noticed that people cannot come to their centre in Navakai to collect food because they don't even have bus fare.

Kiran is urging the nation to look at the food needs of the 150,000 people and their families who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19.

She also says that some houses in the Western Division are now catering for as much as 18 people because those who cannot afford to pay rent are moving in with those who own homes.

Kiran says some people who have left for urban areas have returned to find out that their land is being utilized by others which is causing a lot of conflict.

If you want to assist FRIEND Fiji, you can contact them on 8983183 or friend@connect.com.fj. You can also visit our Hands Across Fiji page on fijivillage to get the details.