City launches campaign to eradicate poverty

from The Fiji Times

THE country's second city has placed itself in the driving seat of a campaign against poverty.

On Friday, Lautoka Mayor Councillor Rohit Kumar launched a month-long campaign hoping to encourage others to join the fight against poverty.

While unveiling a momentum to commemorate the launch of the "Global Call for Action against Poverty month," Mr Kumar said it was vital to play a part in the campaign because the situation in Fiji was worsening.

"I'm very hopeful this would encourage people to acknowledge poverty and take at least one action against poverty around them," he said.

"It could be very small and within the community or it could be talking to your leaders and ensuring things change for the many suffering around us."

Mr Kumar said the council was grateful to be part of the campaign as a means of contributing to Fiji's commitment of achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

The MDGs signed by world leaders in 2000 stressed the importance of eradicating poverty.

The launch was done in conjunction with the non-government organisation, Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises N Development (FRIEND).

Mr Kumar also acknowledged the work of FRIEND, saying it has made a significant impact on people living in poverty around Lautoka and the country as a whole.

Mr Kumar said FRIEND was successfully engaging communities at different levels to create awareness along with meeting the economic needs of many.

FRIEND's campaign co-ordinator Jone Nawaikula said more than 250,000 people in Fiji were living below the poverty line.

Mr Nawaikula said of that figure, about 10 to 12 per cent or 80,000 people were living in squatters.