Social Welfare Recipients Disappointed with Delayed Payment

Social Welfare recipients across the country yesterday raised their disappointments over the late notice and lack of effective communication from the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection informing them of a delay in their August allowance payout.

In Suva, recipients were in the city as early as 7am from as far as Vunidawa in Naitasiri and Namosi sure of getting paid and taking home necessary food items for themselves.

In Lautoka, the elderly came as far as Yasawa since last Friday to wait for their allowances that was scheduled to be paid out yesterday.

Recipients braved the hot sun with some in their wheelchairs hoping it would be available by midday.

The allowances were supposed to be in bank accounts yesterday.

At 12.57pm yesterday, the ministry issued a statement to inform recipients of the delay.

The Ministry statement said this was due to the transition to Government’s new financial year.

We understand the importance of these payments to our beneficiaries and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused, the ministry said in the statement.

“We kindly request for your patience and understanding as we work diligently to clear all outstanding payments within this week. Rest assured that every effort is being made to expedite the process and ensure that all recipients receive their allowances by close of business today (yesterday).”

SUVA

Sanimili Baleivunimaqo, 74, travelled by carrier from Nasevou, Namosi, before day break yesterday for Suva hoping to cash in on the allowance.

When the Fiji Sun reached out to her, she had been waiting for seven hours hoping money would be deposited.

“I left my home about 4am to travel to Suva, reached the city about 9am only to find out the money was not transferred into my account,” Ms Nawaqanidrali said.

“I was looking forward to buy groceries because I live in the highlands and everything is expensive,” she said.

“People like me in our 70s have a hard time travelling and for this to happen, it’s just not right.”

She said she travelled to Suva with her last $20 hoping that her pension payment would be available.

“I return with only five dollars to take me back home.”

Manieta Tunivono of Vunidawa in Naitasiri left home around the same time for Suva.

“When I reached Suva, I was told by others that there was a delay in receiving payments.

“This is very upsetting to most us of who travelled from far distances. I was looking forward to do some shopping, but now I couldn’t travel back home because of the bus schedule.”

INSET: Sainimili Baleivunimaqo with her social welfare ID card.

LAUTOKA

Jaoti Tiqe, 72, from Yasawa said those who came from the islands have been in Lautoka since Friday.

“We will wait again today. We will be in town until 4pm. We are hoping that we will receive the money today (yesterday).”

Meanwhile, another recipient Manueli Sovau pleaded with e Government not to delay the fund for the elderly.

“It is so sad to see elderly people waiting in the hot sun,” Mr Sovau said.

Tomasi Rabuka, president of the Lovu Golden Oldies, who assisted social welfare recipients living with disabilities to the city said: “Some of us come from the Yasawas, settlements and rural areas far from the city,” Mr Rabuka said.

“Some came without having breakfast in the morning and if it delays again today, they will probably ask others to sleep over because there is no bus fare back home.”

Feedback: mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj