The Kumar family in Boca outside Labasa Town were yesterday handed a $1000 cheque and some other relief items by the Government.

The Kumars lost their three daughters to a home fire last Friday. The daughters were cremated  at the Bulileka Cemetery in Labasa on Wednesday.

“I want to thank them (Government) that they have stepped in to help me, in a time where I have nothing, so now I have something to start with. Thank you, a very big thank you,” an emotional Rajesh Kumar said during the hand over.

Leading the delegation, Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Veena Bhatnagar urged the parents to be strong.

While talking to the mother, Karuna Kumar, she told her to be strong for her husband and her son who was still admitted at the Labasa Hospital.

“This is an occasion and a heart-breaking one, the loss of the three girls. As usual, the Ministry of Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation provide immediate assistance of $1000 to the families,” Ms Bhatnagar said.

“We are here with our Labasa Branch staff that have been continuously supporting the family.”

On the same note, Ms Bhatnagar has urged parents and families to carry out extra precautionary measures to prevent fire incidents.

“Fire is every individuals’ business. Day by day the number of property fires is increasing; people are left homeless and traumatised. Above all, lives are lost,” she said.

“The pain and suffering one goes through during this ordeal is very saddening and heartbreaking.

“Please for your sake, for your family’s sake, we need to wake up. Be alert and more careful.”

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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