A family in Naqali, Naitasiri, has been living in a makeshift shed after their breadwinner lost his job during the COVID-19 lockdown last year.
Salome Bose said their home was made of timber and roofing iron they had bought to construct a permanent dwelling.
Speaking to The Fiji Times, she said they depended on neighbours for water and electricity. “We are using whatever we can find around us such as rourou, dalo and cassava to survive,” Ms Bose said.
She said their living conditions were a huge challenge for their children. “My children don’t have television or other things to entertain them during this time, they just stare at the cars on the road to keep themselves busy.
“Sometimes, when they are really bored, they go to the neighbour’s place or to their grandparents’ place.
“In the afternoon, we go and fetch water from the neighbour and get them so that before night-time, everyone is inside the shed.”
The mother of two said despite the difficulties they were facing, they would try to complete construction of their house.
“Luckily, my husband had FNPF so we bought construction material last year and since we cannot move with it from house to house, we just shifted to the construction site.
“Just two days ago, I requested for approval and soldiers came and checked and allowed five of our community boys to continue with the construction.
“Now that all the hardware shops are closed, we will have to stay temporarily in the shed until they reopen.”
