The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection has designated over $2.3 million annually for social welfare assistance, benefiting more than 1,978 individuals in the Lomaiviti province.
During a speech to the eight villages in the Mudu district on Tuesday, Lomaiviti Social Welfare Officer Viliame Toroca explained that the funding fluctuates based on the number of new recipients and those who have had their assistance terminated.
He noted that across the country, there are over 8,000 people receiving social welfare assistance, with the government aiming to allocate more than $90 million for the program in a single year.
Toroca highlighted that Lomaiviti province’s allocation of over $2.3 million is designed to support those 1,978 recipients within the province. Specifically, on Koro Island, there are 396 individuals who receive social welfare support.
In that region alone, the department has dispensed over $48,000 in assistance monthly, which varies with the number of current, terminated, and new recipients. Over the course of a year, Koro Island receives more than half a million dollars in social welfare assistance.
Mr. Toroca urged the islanders to explore business opportunities that could provide sustainable financial support, rather than solely depending on government aid. He pointed out that, despite the benefits of the assistance program, poverty rates have risen, particularly among the iTaukei population.
He encouraged villagers to utilize government grants to start businesses, cooperatives, and farms, as there are significant opportunities for economic development.