195 Communities in the North Receive Multi-Ethnic Grant

A total of 195 community-based organisations across Fiji’s Northern Division have received funding under the Government’s Multi-Ethnic Grant Programme.

The handover was carried out yesterday by Minister for Public Enterprises, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture Heritage and Arts, Charan Jeath Singh.

Recipients came from Labasa, Seaqaqa, Dreketi, Nasarawaqa, Bua, Nadogo and Savusavu.

The programme this year is valued at $2 million, marking an increase of $700,000 from the previous financial year.

The funding supports a wide range of community projects, including water access, solar installations, renovations and equipment purchases.

Among the approved projects are six borehole initiatives, two solar projects, six cemetery upgrades, 36 renovation works and 15 fencing projects.

Communities will also benefit from 46 musical instruments, 67 shed material provisions, 13 equipment acquisitions, one learning and development project and three accessibility projects.

The Ministry said the selection process followed a strict three-tier assessment system involving Ministry officials, a Directors’ Panel and the Permanent Secretary’s Panel to ensure fairness and transparency.