The Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, has promised teachers and students at Deshbandhu Vitogo Primary School in Lautoka that temporary solutions will be implemented following a fire that occurred on Saturday.
Accompanied by Assistant Minister of Education, Iliesa Vanawalu, and Permanent Secretary, Selina Kuruleca, Nalumisa visited the school alongside other officials to assess the damage.
The blaze resulted in the destruction of the school’s office, four classrooms, and the computer lab. Fortunately, the National Fire Authority was able to protect the library, Early Childhood Education (ECE) classrooms, and the restrooms from the flames.
Nalumisa announced that, as part of these temporary arrangements, ECE students will continue their classes in their current rooms, while students in years 3, 4, 7, and 8 will utilize a tent supplied by UNICEF. He also mentioned that both teachers and students would receive counseling and psychosocial support throughout the week.
In the meantime, the Police and the National Fire Authority are collaborating to investigate the incident and determine the fire’s cause.