Anyone found cheating or abusing the Government’s ‘Help for Homes’ housing scheme will face the full force of the law.

That’s the warning issued yesterday by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama while announcing Government’s national building initiatives at Suvavou House.

The $70million scheme is expected to benefit thousands of Fijians whose homes were partially or completely damaged by Cyclone Winston.

Recipients will have pre-paid cards with a maximum of a $7000 limit for completely demolished homes, $3000 for serious roofing damage and $1500 for partial roofing damage.

He said spot checks would also be carried out by audit teams from the Ministry of Finance after the cards were dispensed.

“Government will introduce legislation in the coming sitting of Parliament to impose special penalties – including jail terms – on any Fijian who tries to benefit personally from this crisis by making a false claim,” the PM said.

“We are determined, at all costs, to protect the credibility and integrity of the recovery and rebuilding process.”

Spirit

Mr Bainimarama said the initiative was unprecedented and it would only succeed because of the character and industrious spirit of the Fijian people.

“Your need should be genuine. You must meet the criteria and your application be truthful and accurate,” Mr Bainimarama said.

“We don’t want this scheme to be delayed because we have to check every claim and every roof. We are depending on you to be honest.”

Applicants household income should not exceed $50,000 and Mr Bainimarama said he was hopeful that the applicants were genuine and information for applications were truthful and accurate.

The PM will also make other announcements on additional assistance to Fijians who needed to transport hardware supplies to maritime areas.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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