Speaking ahead of the budget announcement, FCOSS Executive Director Vani Catanasiga says communities across Fiji already possess strong support systems and resilience mechanisms, but require greater government assistance to withstand increasing climate and social challenges.
Insert: Catanasiga – Communities have their own resilience mechanisms June 12
Catanasiga says FCOSS had raised concerns with the Ministry of Finance about gaps in community-based health services and the growing needs of frontline communities experiencing flooding, erosion and the impacts of climate change.
She says some communities are already facing the prospect of relocation because of climate-related risks and need greater technical and financial support to adapt.
According to Catanasiga, one of these communities is Soloira, in Naitasiri.
Catanasiga says the organisation is also advocating for increased funding for mental health services, saying trauma is often overlooked following disasters and other shocks.
She says FCOSS has supported a funding request of $70,000 for Courage Circle in Lautoka to strengthen counselling and mental health services in the Western Division.
The organisation has also requested $582,000 for community resilience and development initiatives in the tikina of Soloira in Naitasiri, a community identified for future relocation due to climate risks.
Another proposal seeks $50,000 to support community councils in informal and underserved settlements through a joint initiative with the Commissioner's Office Central Division.
Catanasiga says the councils will provide a structured way for communities to engage with government agencies and development partners, particularly in settlements that lack traditional governance structures.
She says community councils would help coordinate development projects, disaster preparedness programmes and social initiatives while ensuring women and young people have a voice in decision-making.
FCOSS has also called for welfare assistance, education support, programmes for older persons and services for people living with disabilities to be maintained or increased in the upcoming budget.
She says the budget should ensure that support services are available to help those most at risk cope with the challenges ahead.
@fijivillage.com Despite receiving no direct government funding since 2006, FCOSS continues to support communities through disaster response, training and advocacy. Ahead of the National Budget announcement, Executive Director Vani Catanasiga is calling for greater investment in vulnerable communities, climate resilience and mental health services across Fiji.
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