The Teruka family, who lost their home to a devastating fire in 1984, recently received keys to a new house, marking a significant milestone three years after the tragedy. The house, valued at $20,000, was constructed in Naboro, located half a kilometer from the site of the fire, thanks to the generosity of the people of Fiji.
The fire occurred on July 2, 1984, ignited by a benzine light, resulting in the loss of the family’s father, their two-year-old son, and eight-year-old daughter Raini. Following this tragedy, the surviving family members had been staying with friends and relatives.
A public appeal initiated by the Fiji Sixes Charity Committee, beginning with a $1,000 donation, led to widespread support from the community, raising an additional $10,168. Contributions also came from the insurance and savings of the late Mr. Teruka, a laboratory assistant at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital. The public trustee, Dhirendra Singh, oversaw the family’s finances and the construction of the new home, which was built by Mr. Latchmaiya Naidu of William Plumbing Work in Suva.
Situated on a five-acre crown lease overlooking the sea and surrounded by lush bushland, the six-meter by nine-meter two-bedroom house stands where Mr. Teruka had originally planned to build a two-story home for his family. It comes fully furnished with new beds, chairs, and tables.
At the handover event, Rex Gardener, the general manager of the Fiji Times at the time, presented the keys and expressed the community’s compassion for the family’s plight. He remarked, “The country opened its heart in your hour of need… it was a tremendous expression of generosity.” He highlighted the role of the media in informing the public to bring positive results in such situations.
Ms. Teruka expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the new beginning, saying, “We are very happy and thankful to the people of Fiji for their help, thank you to everyone.”