EMPOWERING people with disabilities to live respected and dignified lives is a core priority of the Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Ministry.
A government statement said it was in line with this vision that the ministry assisted 68-year-old Elia Nasomisomi of Kiuva Village in Tailevu with much-needed tools.
It said this would ease the difficulties he faced with his legs after being paralysed for the past three years.
In 2010, Mr Nasomisomi's life as a fisherman came to an end when he was diagnosed with leg paralysis, leaving him with walking sticks as the only means to stand on his feet. Mr Nasomisomi had little to hope from life, with his wife the only one to look after him.
His prayers were answered when he met minister Dr Jiko Luveni during one of her ministerial visits to Kiuva Village last year.
He told Dr Luveni of his challenges as a person with disabilities and requested metal crutches to help him get around. In response, ministry officials visited Mr Nasomisomi to help him with this request.
"These tools are my life for without them I can't even stand up on my feet. They have given me hope," he said.
"I can go out to the farm and fetch food and also walk the extra distance."