Social welfare recipients across the nation expressed their frustrations yesterday regarding the delayed August allowance payments and the inadequate communication from the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection. Many recipients arrived in Suva early in the morning, travelling considerable distances from areas like Vunidawa in Naitasiri and Namosi, anticipating their payments to assist with purchasing essential food items.
In Lautoka, elderly individuals traveled from as far as Yasawa and had been waiting since Friday for their scheduled allowances. Despite enduring the hot sun, some recipients, including those in wheelchairs, held out hope that the payments would be deposited by midday.
Originally, the allowances were meant to be in bank accounts on the day of payment. However, at 12:57 PM, the ministry finally issued a statement notifying recipients of the delay, attributing it to the transition to the government’s new financial year. The ministry acknowledged the significance of these payments for beneficiaries and apologized for the inconvenience, requesting patience as they worked to process all outstanding payments by the end of the day.
In Suva, 74-year-old Sanimili Baleivunimaqo traveled from Nasevou, Namosi, starting her journey around 4 AM, only to find out after seven hours of waiting that the funds had not been transferred into her account. She was looking forward to purchasing groceries, as prices are high in the highlands, but ended up returning home with only five dollars after spending her last twenty on the trip.
Another recipient, Manieta Tunivono from Vunidawa, experienced similar disappointment upon her arrival in Suva when she learned of the payment delay, complicating her ability to get back home due to bus schedules.
In Lautoka, 72-year-old Jaoti Tiqe reported that those who travelled from the islands had been waiting since Friday and intended to remain until their payments were issued. Manueli Sovau, another recipient, urged the government to avoid delaying disbursements for the elderly. Tomasi Rabuka, president of the Lovu Golden Oldies, noted that many recipients traveled long distances, some without having breakfast, and expressed concern that additional delays would force them to seek accommodations due to lack of funds for the return trip.