The family of the nine-year-old girl who lost her life in a fatal motor vehicle accident at Viseisei in Lautoka in January has been paid compensation by the Accident Compensation Commission of Fiji.
ACCF paid out $75,000 to the family of Mereoni Talei Vuniyayawa.
According to the ACCF, the accident allegedly occurred as a result of dangerous driving.
Mr Vuniyayawa said the compensation received had enabled them to buy quality things to keep in memory of their daughter.
“It has raised our standard of living for us, our parents, and education for the elder sister, who is in year 8 and a younger brother who is going to be 2-years-old this July. Being a tourism worker, the compensation is timely and has enabled me to pay our debts as I put into action my change of plans and goals as we still don’t know when the borders will reopen to tourists,” he was quoted saying in a statement issued by the ACCF.
“The compensation has really boosted our hope and energy in a positive way on the change of course towards agriculture. With no debts to worry about, with a boosted heart, and with a good harvest, we are aiming to help others in my community in this trying time, just like what ACCF did for my family.’’
Mr Vuniyayawa has urged all motorists never to overestimate their driving experience and never disobey road rules, and instead follow all road rules correctly and be safe drivers for themselves and others.
ACCF chief executive officer Parvez Akbar said to date, the Commission had paid out more than $19million in compensation to victims of motor vehicle, employment, and school accidents since the Government-established scheme came into force on January 1, 2018.
