The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection provides over $2.3 million annually in social welfare support for more than 1,978 individuals in Lomaiviti. In a speech to the eight villages of the Mudu district on Tuesday, Lomaiviti Social Welfare Officer Viliame Toroca explained that the funding is influenced by the number of new beneficiaries and those no longer receiving assistance.
He noted that nationwide, over 8,000 people benefit from social welfare programs, with the government aiming to allocate upwards of $90 million for such initiatives in a year. Toroca highlighted the significant contribution to Lomaiviti, stating that more than $2.3 million is distributed in the province annually to support nearly 2,000 people.
On Koro Island alone, there are 396 social welfare recipients. The department has disbursed over $48,000 in assistance in just one month, varying according to the number of recipients, those no longer qualifying, and new applicants. Overall, more than half a million dollars in social welfare aid is distributed to recipients on Koro Island within a year.
Toroca urged the residents to pursue business opportunities that would lead to financial independence instead of relying entirely on government aid. He remarked that despite the benefits provided, poverty rates have risen, particularly among the iTaukei population. He encouraged the community to utilize government grants to start businesses, cooperatives, and farming ventures.