More Indo-Fijians living in poverty: Survey

There are more Indo-Fijians living in poverty, a survey by Fiji's Bureau of Statistics has found.

According to the Household Income and Expenditure Survey, of those living below the poverty line between 2008-2009, 72 per cent were Indo-Fijians and 66 per cent iTaukei.

Forty-five per cent of the Indo-Fijian population living in poverty live in rural areas while 21 per cent reside in town and city areas.

In contrast, 42 per cent of the poverty-stricken iTaukei live in rural areas and 17 per cent in urban areas.

For other ethnicities, 50 per cent of the poor live in rural areas while 16 per cent live in urban areas.

It was also found out that 15 per cent of Fiji's poverty stricken famlies live in urban areas while 37 per cent are in rural settlements and villages.

Commissioner Eastern Lieutenant Colonel Netani Rika told the Eastern Division development board meeting last week a recent survey had indicated there is a big increase in poverty in the rural areas.

Lt Col Rika said those below the poverty line is measured as average households of four members who earn less than $155 a week.

By Ropate Valemei