The Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar, today visited the families at Sakoca Settlement in Suva who had lost their homes in a fire over the weekend.
The fire, which broke out early Sunday morning in one of the homes, spread rapidly through the other houses destroying six houses and partially damaging one.
During the meeting with the fire victims, Minister Akbar assured that her Ministry staff and the Ministry of Housing will assist the families under their Fire Relief Assistance program to cater for their immediate basic needs.
"We are collecting all the information and we will be working closely with the Ministry of Housing in arranging some form of temporary shelter for the families that will need it. We will also look into other Government assistance and ways to help their children go back to school," said Minister Akbar.
"I can assure everyone affected by this tragedy that the Government is there for them and has assistance for them at this challenging time - and that is what I am determined to provide."
Minister Akbar encourages families, friends and potential donors to come forward and provide support in whichever way they can to help these families.
"It will be very much appreciated and we can bring a smile to their faces, especially in the spirit of Diwali," she said.
Mr Sailosi Baleivanualevu, a 48-year-old fire victim said that he can't believe that he has lost everything in the Fire.
"I thank God that no one was injured or killed. I thank our neighbours for their support during this time of need. The visit by Minister Akbar today has brought relief to my family as we are receiving immediate basic needs and will be provided by other forms of assistance given by the Government," said Mr Baleivanualevu.
Single parent, 40 year old Ashwini Nand said, "I am glad that the Minister came all this way to visit us. It gives us assurance that we will be assisted by the Government to rebuild our lives."
The families affected have also discussed and sought advice from the Department of Social Welfare and Department of Housing on how they can be further assisted.
There were seventeen adults and eighteen children that were affected by the Sunday fire.