Govt reminds communities on proper use of Multi-Ethnic grants

All 195 multi-ethnic grant recipient communities in the Northern Division have been urged to ensure effective engagement with their suppliers during the Local Purchase Order (LPO) process to maintain compliance with grant requirements.

Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Charan Jeath Singh, cautioned recipients to use the resources entrusted to them by Government wisely.

The grants cover a range of assistance, including borehole water systems, solar system installations, public cemetery upgrades, musical instruments funding, renovation of places of worship, etc. 

Mr Singh revealed that in previous cases, some communities failed to submit purchase receipts on time.

“That’s why we are saying recipients must act quickly to purchase the materials approved under their orders,” he said.

“They need to submit receipts to our ministry because we have a monitoring team that will oversee these projects.”

He added that if the monitoring team identifies non-compliance or irregularities, orders could be withdrawn or recipients penalised with a surcharge.

When asked about misuse of funds, Mr Singh said there had been instances where communities failed to complete projects within the specified timeframe and held on to LPOs for too long.

“We are encouraging people to avoid holding on to LPOs for too long, as they will expire. Be prompt in processing your LPOs and submitting receipts to the ministry,” he said.

Navakuru Women’s Club trustee, Esita Talei, said all recipients should follow the guidelines and requirements of the LPO process.

The club, based in rural Cakaudrove, received Government assistance for the first time—an initiative she said would be remembered for years to come.

Ms Talei emphasised that when Government places trust in communities through grants, recipients must reciprocate by ensuring proper and effective use of the funds.

Meanwhile, Wailevu Arya Mahila Mandal representative, Nirmala Devi, said they would ensure strict adherence and timely processing of the LPO requirements.

She added that prompt purchasing and submission of receipts would strengthen their reputation as a responsible and productive religious organisation.

Ms Devi also stressed that all recipient groups must remain compliant to ensure the continuation of the grant programme for years to come.