Atelaite Vakaloloma and her nine children are forever grateful to the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and the Government for “answering our prayers” through the construction of their new home and other social needs.

Ms Vakaloloma, a widow, and her children, have been enduring the pain of moving from one home to another because of high rent payments. However, yesterday that challenge had been resolved.

While sharing her story, Ms Vakaloloma said her family, at one point, applied for a piece of land which was available with the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB). Yet despite numerous attempts, their applications remained unsuccessful.

“We lived in a tent and we kept it clean because it was our only hope. Last year, in October it was raining for two weeks and we were staying in the rain for that long, soaked and cold under the tent,” she said

“On the 18th of October, I texted the Prime Minister informing him of our plight as a family as we didn’t have a house. Through the Prime Minister, there was an immediate response from OC Savenaca Siwatibau who asked for directions to where we lived.

“They came and took pictures and left again promising to return on the morning of October 19. Before I made my way to the market, a truck full of housing materials and soldiers came and built the house we currently occupy. We were so happy because they knew exactly what we had been praying for.”

Ms Vakaloloma added that such a blessing is an absolute reminder and a reflection of one of the Prime Minister’s characters and that is being caring.

“Now we don’t get wet when it rains and we are so thankful to the Prime Minister. I am so thankful to the Lord for giving us the strength to be able to speak to the Prime Minister and how he has helped to alleviate us from the situation we were in,” she said.

“In July this year, the Prime Minister texted my phone to say that he was in Lautoka. We are thankful to God for the great things he has done and we share tears of joy every time we pray. We also remember the hardworking Government officials in our prayers.

“So we were thankful that the PM texted my phone, but I didn’t have funds to text them back. We were on our way to town to distribute tracts for church when the Prime Minister texted again to say he was in Navutu until 5.30pm – I told my daughter that we should get off the bus, and go and meet him.

“I asked the Policeman that we wanted to speak to the Prime Minister, but it was the first time we entered that village.

“We called the Prime Minister and he responded so we told him we were at the village. I told him we were wearing “kalavata” matching outfits.

“The Prime Minister spotted us and called us to him and then asked us what we needed. I told him I have a bad leg however I always have to fetch water from the creek. I then asked the Prime Minister for a water tank. So the PM said don’t worry I am handing your case to the Commissioner. That is how we met and got to know the Prime Minister and also how we now have a water tank.

“That conversation gave us peace. The manner in which he communicates with ordinary people especially those often neglected like us. We thank the Government and we thank God for the PM,” she said.

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