Caption: (on right) Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Rosy Akbar with Mr Neel Kamal Rohit of Jittu Estate, Suva who has lost his home in a fire.Photo:SUPPLIED.
A family that lost everything in a fire in Lagilagi settlement in Jittu Estate were today visited by the Honorable Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Rosy Akbar.
The 36 year old, Mr Neel Kamal Rohit and his family have lived in Jittu Estate, Samabula, Suva for the last 35 years.
“I was at work when I came back I was informed that my house has burnt down too. In fact it was my brother’s house where the fire started and slowly spread to my house.
Permanent Secretary for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Josefa Koroivueta comforts a resident of the Jittu Estate, Lagilagi settlement.
“At the time of this incident, there was no one at home and we have lost all our belongings.
Currently, we are staying at our neighbors place and the police are still investigating the case to determine the cause of the fire,” Mr Rohit said.
The family members have thanked the Ministry for its swift response to rebuild their lives.
“We are grateful to Madam Minister for visiting us today and this demonstrates government’s quick response to assist the needy families in Fiji. We have been informed that we will be assisted with funds to help us buy the basic items for our family,” Mr Rohit said.
Minister Akbar assured the family that her Ministry will make every effort to assist them.
“Through the Ministry’s Fire Victims Relief Assistance, each of these two families will be given the sum of $1000 each. Following which, the Ministry will also work with its stakeholders to try and get the required assistance to help them build their house,” Mrs Akbar said.
Last year, the Ministry assisted a total of 110 fire victims through a budgetary allocation of $100,000.
This year the Ministry was allocated $100,000 for Fire Victims Relief Assistance grant, which provides much-needed relief for families who lose their homes in a fire and who do not have insurance.
The grants of $1,000 are intended to provide immediate relief for things like food and new clothing and basic needs. These grants are available to those living in settlements without lease titles.
DEPTFO