The people of Yacata Island are pleading with Government to speed-up the housing assistance scheme process as most of them are still living in tents and make-shift home.

Turaga ni Koro Peniqusa Taione said they need the housing materials early as the looming cyclone season has brought panic for most villagers.

A total of 34 houses were completely destroyed during Cyclone Winston, nine of which are under construction and only two have been rebuilt completely.

He said close to 15 families are still living in tents while some are still staying with other families in the island or in other parts of the country.

“The delay in the building process is because the materials are not arriving on time,” Mr Taione said.

“We are requesting Government if they could quicken the Housing Aid as people need proper housing especially now that the cyclone season is approaching.”

The Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management, Joeli Cawaki said he would be addressing this issue with the Minister for Social Welfare.

“The rehabilitation is very slow, I remember in one of the communities only the nails have arrived but not the full house and I think it is also happening in other communities but it needs  to be a co-ordinated effort,” Mr Cawaki said.

“I will meet with Minister for Social Welfare Mrs Vuniwaqa and there will be a lot of support that needs to go to Social Welfare to make the system happen.

“Also, for the supply of the materials, so when it comes into the islands it is the material for the whole house ordered for that arrives and not just the nails.

“We will need to see a system that will enable the people in the islands that what they requested for is being addressed.”

Edited by Maraia Vula

Feedback:  josaia.ralago@fijisun.com.fj