This was the slogan adopted by members of the Kubulau, Bua community in Suva, who met last Saturday at Nadera to discuss ways in which they can help with immediate relief measures for their kinsfolk back home.

This was after the extent of the damage caused by Cyclone Winston was relayed to them during the meeting by Kubulau Resource Management Committee (KRMC) member Peni Were.

Mr Were had travelled to Kubulau immediately after the cyclone struck and witnessed first-hand the destruction caused by the cyclone in the 10 villages in the district. He also took photos which were displayed to the Kubulau community in Suva.

“It’s a nightmare; I really feel for our people who for the first time in their lives witnessed this kind of massive destruction in their villages,” he said.

Initial reports given by the turaga-ni-koro of the 10 villages said 69 houses were completely destroyed including two church buildings and two community halls with more than 50 homes partially destroyed.

Kubulau District School also suffered extensive damage with four teacher’s quarters destroyed and all classroom blocks and dormitories substantially damaged.

These numbers have yet to be confirmed by NDMO assessment teams.

KRMC chairman Paula Kolikata based in Namalata Village told the Fiji Sun by telephone that the damage was extensive and that Kubulau had received very little coverage in the media up to now.

“While Koro suffered the worst, we in Kubulau have suffered too; luckily no lives were lost here,” Mr Kolikata said.

He said their rootcrops and yaqona were all gone and whatever they had would probably last them another two days.

“After this we have nothing. We need assistance urgently.”

Meanwhile, during last Saturday’s meeting in Suva, the Kubulau community agreed that $4000 worth of food rations be sent as soon as possible for immediate relief.

“We shouldn’t be waiting for Government; their help will come; it’s a case of what we can do for Kubulau right now,” Mr Were said.

Commissioner Northern Jovesa Vocea yesterday said: “The damage in the 10 villages of Kubulau in Bua is very extensive.”

He said the first lot of relief rations was delivered to Kubulau late last week and they are in the process of delivering tents and tools to help the people.

Meanwhile, members of the Kubulau community in Suva are reminded that another meeting to put together relief rations and a fundraising will be held at Paula Baleinakorodawa’s residence at Yasiyasi Road, Nadera this Friday afternoon.

Edited by Filipe Naigulevu

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