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Wednesday, 31st January 2007 (4548 views)

Fiji miners laid off from Emperor Gold Mines' site are to receive aid as part of a rehabilitation programme.

A total of 1,639 workers will be able to apply for a share of $600,000 (£307,000) in order to support their families while they seek reemployment, reports the Fijivillage website.

The announcement follows the decision of Emperor Gold Mines in December to close the Vatukoula mine after a review found that the operation was no longer economically viable. All workers are expected to receive a redundancy package as well as their final pay packet next month.

Fiji's government are hopeful that the Vatukoula Mine Workers Rehabilitation initiative will help the workers find alternative employment over the course of the next 12 months, with programmes aimed at developing alternative skills in farming, self-employment as well as providing start-up assistance to new ventures in the region to increase possible job creation levels.

But Vatukoula worker committee secretary Romeo Kivi explained that the government should also look at setting up water supplies, electricity and proper health services for the workers.

 

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