Cash for work initiative to be launched in Aitutaki

Part of government’s $9.46 million recovery plan for Aitutaki includes a ‘cash for work’ initiative to help inject much needed money into the economy now.

The $100,000 initiative is designed to provide labour for the housing project and support the immediate clean up of debris from the cyclone.

According to the recovery plan released last week, about 100 youth could benefit from the programme. Each would work about 20 six hour days for $36 a day.

This assistance recognises that cash is needed for housing materials, food and other essentials and to retain the youth on the island – the population most likely to migrate permanently to Rarotonga and elsewhere.

According to the recovery plan, ‘cash for work’ will promote local labour and provide employment opportunities for the unemployed, give youth an opportunity to gain skills in carpentry and assist Habitat for Humanity – who will provide technical support and guidance, but not a sufficient labour force for the task. The initiative will be administered by the ministry of internal affairs or by the Red Cross depending on what is finalised this week.

Recovery coordinator Wilkie Rasmussen announced the initiative last Friday when he met with most sectors of the Aitutaki community to bring them news of the recovery plan.