Family Endure Cold Nights in Makeshift Tent
Ms Naivalini, who lives with her four children, parents, and two brothers, said: "We built this temporary shed while waiting for our house to be rebuilt.
Tuesday 06 August 2024 | 14:29
Sera Kaitani Naivalini in their makeshift home in Saru Lautoka. Photos: Mereleki Nai
Sera Kaitani Naivalini and her family braved the cold nights in their makeshift home in Saru, Lautoka, choosing self-reliance over living with relatives.
Their family home was destroyed by fire three weeks ago.
The mother of four explained that nine family members had been living in the house before the fire.
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Rather than temporarily moving in with neighbors or relatives, they erected a tent to serve as their new home.
Ms Naivalini, who lives with her four children, parents, and two brothers, said: "We built this temporary shed while waiting for our house to be rebuilt.
"Despite the cold weather, we chose to stay on our own.
Families makeshift home in Saru Lautoka. Photos: Mereleki Nai
"We don't want to burden other families or even our relatives.
"We can survive with this."
The 30-year-old said they were receiving help from donors.
"Our house was destroyed, and we couldn't save anything," Ms Naivalini said.
"We are grateful for the support from non-governmental organisations, religious groups, overseas relatives, and everyone who has helped us.
"We have been provided with some concrete blocks and look forward to building our new home."
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