171 projects worth $12.6 million funded under the Small Grants Scheme since 2018

From 2018 to date a total of 171 projects worth $12.6 million has been funded under the Small Grants Scheme.

This was highlighted by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in a written response to a written question by SODELPA MP, Mosese Bulitavu, who had asked if an update could be provided as to how many community projects had been funded under the Small Grants Scheme from 2018 to date.

From January to July 2018 of the 2017/2018 financial year, out of the $9 million budget allocated, $6.2 million was used to fund a total of 79 projects and this consisted of 38 projects in the education sector, 22 for village and community development and 19 for integrated development projects.

For the 2018/2019 financial year, $9 million was again allocated for the program and from that $5.1 million was utilized for a total of 69 projects. 36 were in the education sector, 24 projects for village and community improvement and 9 integrated development projects.

For the 2019/2020 financial year, out of the $4 million from the initial budget, $1.3 million has been utilized to fund 23 projects.

The Prime Minister says the scheme has directly benefited more than 100,000 ordinary Fijians and been instrumental in facilitating and satisfying the basic human rights for rural dwellers, such as the right to education, reasonable access to transposition, housing and sanitation, economic participation, adequate food, water and health.

He says the scheme demonstrates government’s commitment of leaving no one behind to ensure balanced growth and sustainable development.

Bainimarama says his Office has undertaken a review of the scheme guidelines which has extended the scope of funding and assistance to rural and disadvantaged communities.