10 Jul 2017

Fiji's Rabuka wants more budget support for cyclone victims

1:47 pm on 10 July 2017

Fiji's opposition Sodelpa Party leader Sitiveni Rabuka says the new Budget has little to say about the rehabilitation for those affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston.

Former Fiji prime minister and two-time coup leader Sitiveni Rabuka.

Former Fiji prime minister and two-time coup leader Sitiveni Rabuka. Photo: AFP PHOTO / Torsten BLACKWOOD

Fiji Village quoted Mr Rabuka saying it had been almost a year and a half since Winston devastated Fiji, and during his visit to Vanua Levu and the Western Viti Levu areas, he saw people still living in tents and school children still attending classes in tents.

Mr Rabuka said this simply meant that there was no proper planning to address the plight of the victims.

The Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum had highlighted that the Budget includes over $US82 million for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of schools damaged by the storm.

He also said $13.9 million was allocated for the rehabilitation of roads, bridges and jetties.

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