Learning and understanding the works of the Accident Compensation Commission of Fiji (ACCF), has given Simione Seru, 61 of Bagasau, Cakaudrove and his family a new lease of life.

This comes after Mr Seru received a pay- out of $75,000 from the ACCF in Labasa yesterday.

For Mr Seru his daughter was the youngest of seven children and losing his eight- year-old in a road accident in Savusavu in April this year was never easy and would remain the most difficult time for his family.

“Losing my daughter was difficult to handle, and it shattered our lives,” Mr Seru said.

“She was admitted at Labasa hospital for eight days fighting for her life and she did not make it.”

Mr Seru said it was a blessing when he learned of the ACCF from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) who advised him of the application requirements.

He said that he wasn’t so sure whether he would receive his payment but when he received a call earlier this month being informed of the payment, he could not hold back his tears.

“I am happy that there is some form of compensation for my family,” he said.

Mr Seru, a farmer is the sole breadwinner for six children.

He also lost his wife a month after his daughters’ death after a short illness.

He added that it was important for rural dwellers to understand what the ACCF was for and urged drivers to drive safely this festive season.

ACCF System:

ACCF chief executive officer Parvez Ak- bar said the commission had a much fairer system in place which is victim-friendly and not procedurally burdensome.

Mr Akbar said in the past people were involved in lengthy processes that incurred legal costs but now application process had been made simple.

“There is simply a form to be filled where you provide all the relevant information,” he said.

Mr Akbar said that many lives had been lost on the roads in Fiji.

“We can never over-emphasize the importance of road safety,” he said.

“Road safety is just not a matter for various entities.

“We should all take responsibility for ensuring that we look after the safety of others as well as ourselves,” he said.

“It is also important that we educate our children about road safety and the risks and hazards on the road,” he said.

Mr Akbar said that the festive season had arrived and urged everyone to enjoy it responsibly.

There were two recipients for the $75,000 compensation from ACCF in Labasa yesterday.
Edited by Losirene Lacanivalu

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