Insurance necessary for schools, says NFA – FBC News

Deshbandhu Vitogo School in Lautoka (Source: in delivery)

The National Fire Service emphasizes the need for schools to invest in insurance to limit potential losses.

While several fire incidents have been reported in previous years, this year alone has seen significant damage to school property following fires at Deshbandhu Vitogo School in Lautoka, Lomaivuna Secondary School in Naitasiri and Ra Secondary School.

NFA CEO Puamau Sowane highlights the economic impact of these incidents, noting that government-funded schools have been particularly hard hit.

It urges the Ministry of Education to consider insuring their assets in light of the financial burden of replacing lost learning materials.

“Many structures were destroyed as a result of the fire. In particular the one in Lomaivuna and the one also in Vitogo. Several computers and tablets were destroyed.”

Sowane added that the fire safety status of some schools is still questionable.

“We want to work closely with the Ministry of Education to work with them and also train some firefighters to look after schools and school children.”

It emphasizes that a proactive approach is essential to improving fire safety compliance in all schools.