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. This visit took place following a devastating fire that occurred on Saturday, October 12, 2024, which resulted in the destruction of the school office, four classrooms, and the Computer Lab. Fortunately, the National Fire Authority was able to contain the blaze and save the Library, the Early Childhood Education classroom, and the school toilets.
Minister Nalumisa reassured the school community that temporary arrangements will be established to ensure students can continue their education. Early Childhood Education students will remain in their classroom, while Years 1 and 2 will use the Library. Students from Years 5 and 6 will occupy a vacant teacher’s quarters, and those in Years 3, 4, 7, and 8 will attend classes in a tent provided by UNICEF as a temporary solution.
Additionally, teachers and students will receive counseling and psychosocial support this week. Deshbandhu Vitogo Primary School has an enrollment of 49 students: 38 from Year 1 to Year 8 and 11 in Early Childhood Education.
The Fiji Police Force and National Fire Authority are conducting investigations to determine the cause of the fire.