Four surviving members of the Teruka family, whose home was destroyed by a fire in 1984, received the keys to their new house three years after the tragic event. An article from The Fiji Times, published on May 10, 1987, highlighted that the $20,000 concrete residence in Naboro, situated half a kilometer from the original fire site, was constructed through the generosity of the Fijian public.
The fire, which was ignited by a benzine light on July 2, 1984, resulted in the loss of the family’s father, their two-year-old son, and their eight-year-old daughter, Raini. Since that devastating day, the remaining family members had been staying with friends and relatives.
A public appeal initiated by the Fiji Sixes Charity Committee began with a $1,000 contribution for Borita Teruka and her daughters, which ultimately raised an additional $10,168 thanks to the community’s support. Further financial support came from the insurance and savings of Mr. Teruka, who worked as a laboratory assistant at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
The public trustee, Dhirendra Singh, managed the family’s finances and the construction of the new home, built by Mr. Latchmaiya Naidu of William Plumbing Work. Nestled on a five-acre hilltop lease with views of the sea and verdant bushland, the two-bedroom house, measuring six by nine meters, was established exactly where Mr. Teruka had envisioned constructing a two-story family home.
The residence was fully furnished with new beds, chairs, and tables. Keys to the home were presented by Rex Gardener, the general manager of The Fiji Times at the time. He expressed gratitude for the community’s generosity, stating, “The country opened its heart in your hour of need, and it was a tremendous expression of generosity that reinforces our faith in human nature.” He added that the Fiji Sixes and The Fiji Times were pleased to contribute to securing a positive future for the family.
Ms. Teruka expressed her deep gratitude for the chance to rebuild their lives, saying, “We are very happy and thankful to the people of Fiji for their help, thank you to everyone.”