The Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation will work closely with municipal councils to look at ways of assisting beggars.
The Minister for Women Hon. Rosy Sofia Akbar made the comments at a meeting with Nadi special administrator, Robin Ali. The meeting looked at ways on strengthening partnership between municipal councils, the Fiji Police Force and other relevant stakeholders.
“I can understand the challenge we have taking them (beggars) off the streets and what we need to do is work with the council officers and police,” she said.
“It is good for us to work in partnership with the Nadi Town Council and the police,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Minister today met with residents of Nadi to create more awareness on the assistance programmes available for those living in the marginal.
She highlighted that the ministry was looking at identifying 500 families around the country to assist them with income generating projects to help improve their living standards through the various projects.
While many that attended were senior citizens, Hon. Akbar said Government would not shy away from its responsibilities and also called on the younger generation to play their part in the lives of their old parents.
“Government can only do so much and we also need to be fulfilling our duties and responsibilities which are to ensure our old parents live with dignity ,” Hon. Akbar said.
DEPTFO