A Valelevu family is demanding answers after two homes were destroyed in a blaze on Kanace Rd, leaving more than 20 people homeless.
Family members claim the National Fire Authority’s delayed response contributed to the total loss of both properties — one of which housed five flats, four of them rented.
Suvashni Lata, one of the affected residents, said repeated calls to the Valelevu Fire Station went unanswered.
“We were calling them, but no one responded. When we finally got through, they told us there were no fire trucks at the station,” she said.
“We waited, but by the time they arrived, both houses were already on fire.
“Their service is pathetic. We pay water bills that include the fire levy, yet they still arrived too late.”
Ms Lata’s sister, Swaran Lata, the homeowner, said neighbours used buckets filled with drain water in a desperate attempt to douse the flames.
The fire is believed to have started at the neighbouring property, owned by Sherine Lata.
“I was at work when my husband called around 12.30pm, crying and saying the house was on fire,” Ms Lata said.
“By the time I arrived, everything was gone.
“Luckily, he and our grandchild managed to escape in a taxi but we lost everything, including the taxi.”
Questions sent to the National Fire Authority remained unanswered.
