The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed an immediate US$2million (F$4.26m) grant agreement with the Fijian Government to help assist communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston.

The agreement was signed yesterday by the Attorney-General and Minister for Finance, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and ADB vice-president Stephen Groff while the minister was on his third day of a West tour visiting families in Nadhari,  Ba, yesterday.  Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said the grant would be used to help those families who are in dire need.

“ADB’s timely support will be utilised to have an immediate impact on Fijians affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston,” he said.

“The Fijian Government has already started to try and fulfil the urgent needs of Fijians who are cut off from essential services, and food and water. These funds will also be used to provide immediate shelter and following assessments, a permanent solution will be required.”

Mr Groff said that ADB was pleased to help Fiji and they would continue to be long-term partners in years to come.

“ADB is pleased to assist in this time of need and we will work with the Government of Fiji and development partners to identify priority needs in the medium and long-term which we will be able to support under our country partnership strategy,” Mr Groff said.

The initial assistance of US$2m is from ABD’s Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund and can be used to meet priority needs, restore live-saving services, and support early recovery for affected communities.

Edited by Manasa Kalouniviti