More than $2 million has been refunded to 278 applicants who had applied for a refund of deposits paid to People's Community Network.

The Ministry of Housing & Community Development has received a total of 643 applications and 278 applicants have been paid.

The Fijian Government committed $2.27 million in the 2021/2022 revised national budget and further allocated $1.9 million in the 2022/2023 national budget to refund the remaining applicants.

Luke Ravuwai a (PCN) applicant says he will use the funds to invest in a house for his family.

Ravuwai says it was a sad time for his family after sacrificing a lot of gatherings and functions to save up for their new house.

Another recipient, Sukhendra Prasad says his family wouldn't have seen his hard-earned savings if it wasn't for the Government’s help.

Prasad says he lost all hope, but with the money given back to them through the Government, he will purchase a piece of land and build a house.

The Permanent Secretary for Housing and Community Development, Sanjeeva Perera says the Ministry anticipates to complete payments to all eligible applicants by September this year.