158 families that lost their homes to fire within the last nine months have been assisted by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation with the $1,000 fire victim assistance.
This has been highlighted by the Minister for Women Mereseini Vuniwaqa who adds that some are still waiting to be assisted in the new financial year.
She says that this is a concerning issue for her ministry.
Vuniwaqa has called upon all Fijians to take great precaution to avoid fires.
She says that fire is a very common, unpredictable disaster that can result in the loss of human lives, as well as in the physical destruction of homes, businesses, neighborhoods, livestock, and wildlife.
The Minister for Women adds that fires may also cause serious emotional distress to children and families as welfare Officers have also counseled families and continue to monitor their progress on a timely basis.
