The interim government is not responsible for looking after the ex-mine workers in Vatukoula as it is the responsibility of the laid off workers to help themselves.
Kavekini Navuso, the secretary for the Fiji Mine Workers Union, said the government is doing all it can to help the miners and they should not complain since many of them are benefiting from the rehabilitation programme.
He adds that Westech and the Ministry of Education along with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Employment Opportunities are paying for the education of the children of the miners so there is no need to complain.
This follows criticisms by some NGOs that the interim government has not assisted the workers despite promises made after the mine was shut down.
