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Peru has allocated more than US$3.952 billion to assist vulnerable sectors

Peruvian Economy and Finance Minister Maria Antonieta Alva addresses lawmakers at Congress headquarters in Lima, Peru. Photo: ANDINA/Congress

13:25 | Lima, Sep. 4.

The measures implemented to reach out to Peru's most vulnerable sectors in times of COVID-19 have been historic and constitute an effort of more than S/14 billion (over US$3.953 billion) undertaken by the Peruvian State, Economy-Finance Minister Maria Antonieta Alva reported on Friday.

"We are committed to continuing to serve the citizens who need it (the support), so we will not skimp on continuing to allocate the necessary resources aimed at contributing to the well-being of all Peruvians," she said when answering questions during an interpellation session at Congress headquarters.

The high-ranking official affirmed that subsidies provided to date have been geared towards households in situations of poverty and extreme poverty, as well as in favor of families whose incomes have been negatively affected due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Thanks to these grants, 6 million households were initially assisted. Given the structural deficiencies in access to information, some families living in poverty did not benefit from them. Therefore, the registry and platform of the National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (RENIEC) became activated. With this, the information was updated and the social protection system was strengthened in record time," she explained.

The Cabinet member said that —thanks to these actions— subsidies have been so far granted to 2.5 million additional households.

"Thus, they are expected to cover 8.5 million Peruvian families, who will also benefit from a second universal bonus of S/760 (about US$223)," she noted.

In addition, through Emergency Decree 074-2020, the transfer of S/828 million (about US$243) was ordered to finance the electricity grant in favor of 5 million households. This amount is projected to cover electricity bills of the most vulnerable families for a period of between 6 and 10 months.

(END) VLA/JJN/MVB

Publicado: 4/9/2020