Those assisted through Help for Home Initiative are determined to work in unity to rebuild the homes that were damaged by severe Tropical Cyclone Winston.
Communities have been appreciative of this much-needed assistance, as the Help for Home (HFH) distribution centres continued this week in Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ba, Tavua, Ra, Lautoka, Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni and Suva.
The HFH distribution centre in Ba was co-ordinated at Sorokoba Community Hall.
Over 200 people had been assisted through this centre on Thursday and Friday last week.
Those assisted have breathed a great sigh of relief when they were presented with e-cards that would help them purchase hardware materials to repair or rebuild their homes.
Among those assisting the Ministry of Social Welfare staff at the distribution centres was Sakaraia Pe, the headman for Sorokoba Village in Ba.
According to Mr Pe, the way forward for Sorokoba villagers during the rebuilding process was through “working in unity”.
“We have a population of over 400 people and farming is our major source of living. There are more than 50 houses in Sorokoba that has been damaged by Cyclone Winston.
“As their leader, I have informed them that way we going to work is to help each other to build much stronger houses that should withstand the impacts of cyclones.
“I firmly believe that when we work together then nothing is impossible; through unity we can overcome any challenges,” he said.
“We would like to thank the Government for its assistance in rebuilding our lives. Especially, we thank the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama and the Minister’s for all the work done during the rehabilitation programme.”
Ambalika Prasad, 55, of Bilolo, Ba, who was among those receiving the HFH e-card at Sorokoba Village, was happy to receive the assistance.
“It means a new life for me and my extended family. My house was completely damaged by Cyclone Winston and since then me and my extended family had to live in a temporary shelter.
“A team from Government had assessed the damages in our area. So today, I have received this card that will enable me to buy building materials worth $7000, to build a new house.
“We would like to thank the Prime Minister for assisting us through this housing programme,” Mr Prasad said.
Similar appreciation had also been conveyed by the people of Sawakasa Village in Tailevu.
The village headman, Sevuloni Bureca has expressed gratitude to the Government for its immediate response to address the plight of those in the affected areas.
“Help for Home programme reflects the Government’s continued commitment to helping those in rural communities. Sawakasa village will also be able to rebuild the damaged homes through this assistance,” Mr Bureca said.
Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj