The Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, has promised that temporary arrangements will be made for the teachers and students of Deshbandhu Vitogo Primary School in Lautoka, which experienced a fire on Saturday.
Accompanied by Assistant Minister of Education, Iliesa Vanawalu, and Permanent Secretary, Selina Kuruleca, the Minister visited the school to assess the damage. The fire resulted in the destruction of the office, four classrooms, and the computer lab. Fortunately, the National Fire Authority was able to save the library, Early Childhood Education classrooms, and the toilets.
Nalumisa explained that under the temporary arrangements, Early Childhood Education students will remain in their classrooms, while students in years 3, 4, 7, and 8 will utilize a tent provided by UNICEF. Additionally, he noted 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 conducting a joint investigation to determine the cause of the fire.