THE Fiji Labour Party (FLP) has raise concerns about the treatment of citizens seeking the HOMES-CARE assistance relief in Nadi this week, where thousands had to return home after waiting several hours because the event was deferred.In a statement, party president Lavinia Padarath said it was shocking to note the indignities people were being subjected to.
“First of all, there appears to be a total lack of accountability and transparency in the process,” she said.
“Secondly, relief assistance should be administered through proper government offices and not given out in public parks.
“Thirdly, it comes too late for the real victims of the April fl oods and cyclone, most of who were forced to take their own funds out of FNPF to meet the cost of rehabilitation.”
She also said the way Government was handling the HOMES-CARE program was irresponsible, flouted the norms of good governance and smacked of tactics designed to win popular favour.
“We question the real motive behind these huge handouts, particularly when the Economy Minister admits there is no budget allocation for the current assistance program.
“We call on the Government not to put our people to such indignities. Relief application forms should be processed in government offices and welfare assistance meted out to families and individuals only when these have been properly scrutinised and checked.”
Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa yesterday said she would not comment on the matter.
