Maciu Nalumisa, the Minister for Housing and Local Government, along with Iliesa Vanawalu, the Assistant Minister for Education, and Ms. Selina Kuruleca, the Permanent Secretary, conducted inspections at Deshbandhu Vitogo Primary School in Lautoka yesterday. The school sustained significant damage from a fire on October 12, which destroyed the school office, four classrooms, and the Computer Lab. Fortunately, the National Fire Authority responded quickly, managing to save the library, Early Childhood Education classroom, and school toilets.
During the visit, Minister Nalumisa reassured the school community that provisional arrangements would be made so that students can continue their education. Early Childhood Education students will remain in their classroom, while Years 1-2 students will use the library. Students in Years 5-6 will be accommodated in a vacant teacher’s quarters, and Years 3, 4, 7, and 8 will hold classes in a tent provided by UNICEF as an interim solution.
Additionally, staff and students will receive counseling and psychosocial support this week. Deshbandhu Vitogo Primary School has a total enrollment of 49 students, including 38 in Year 1 through Year 8 and 11 in Early Childhood Education.
The Fiji Police Force and the National Fire Authority are currently investigating to determine the cause of the fire.