A Mother's Plan To Start New Life Destroyed By Fire
“My grandmother was sitting on the porch trying to read her Bible. I was cleaning the bedroom where the fire started, and then I came to wash the clothes.”
Thursday 15 June 2023 | 12:59
Adi Kelera Tagicakimoala at the remains of what used to be her home at Jittu Squatter Settlement in Raiwasa, Suva. Photo: Jernese Macanawai
Adi Kelera Tagicakimoala’s plan to start a new life with her children in the Jittu Squatter Settlement at Raiwasa, Suva, was shattered last Saturday morning when a fire destroyed her home.
The mother of two had just moved into the house she shared with her 70-year-old grandmother only a month earlier after her husband left her.
It was an ordinary Saturday morning for the family. Ms Tagicakimoala was emotional as she recounted her harrowing experience that day.
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“My grandmother was sitting on the porch trying to read her Bible. I was cleaning the bedroom where the fire started, and then I came to wash the clothes.”
“While I was washing, I heard my grandmother calling my name, crying. Then I ran and saw the flames going up,” she said.
When her efforts to douse the fire were unsuccessful, Ms Tagicakimoala quickly grabbed what little she could in the moment and fled the house. At that point, her children and grandmother were already safe outside while neighbours tried frantically to stop the flames from spreading.
Now, the 27-year-old hopes to rebuild her home while she stays with relatives, and supports her three-year-old son and one-year-old daughter.
“We lost everything. We need food and clothes.”
Ms Tagicakimoala welcomes any assistance she could get to help her family get back on its feet.
The NFA confirms that the investigation into the fire is still ongoing. A preliminary report is expected by the end of the week.
Feedback: jernese.macanawai@fijisun.com.fj
