Pacific / Fiji

Fiji government says systems in place to ensure aid transparency

08:50 am on 25 April 2016

The Fiji government says systems are in place to ensure all cyclone aid is accounted for.

Tents donated by China were flown into villages in Fiji by the NZ Defence Force after Cyclone Winston. This one is in Nawaisomo village, Fiji. Photo: RNZI/Sally Round

Fiji appealed for US$39 million from the international community after the category five cyclone hit two months ago.

Funds have also been donated by businesses to a prime ministerial relief fund.

The Minister for National Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu dismissed opposition concerns about a lack of transparency over the government's cyclone relief efforts.

"We have systems in place which (are) accountable, which (are) transparent and of course consistent with international best practice as well. We are happy to provide all the evidence in terms of aid tracking because this is all available."

Inia Seruiratu said he was required by law to submit a final report to the cabinet on aid received which would end up in the parliament.

The government lifted its official State of Natural Disaster last week and Mr Seruiratu said the government was developing plans for recovery.

"Definitely there is still need for assistance from the international community and that is the message our prime minister will be carrying with him when he goes to international and regional meetiings. We will look at all our options but we hope and we pray that our friends, as demonstrated by Australia and New Zealand and all our partners as well, will help us as well."