GOVERNMENT has run out of tents and is waiting on a Chinese shipment due to arrive today.

Speaking at Buabua Paipai Settlement in Lautoka yesterday, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama told residents without homes there were no more tents available.

“The Commissioner Western’s office and other divisional commissioners have no more tents at the moment,” Mr Bainimarama said.

“We are relying on the shipment from the Chinese Government, which will bring in the tents we need.

“There have been a lot of requests coming in for tents but we have run out of tents.”

He said Government would distribute the tents and other relief supplies once they received them.

Buabua Paipai resident Reshmi Ali said her home was completely destroyed by Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston.

She said she was living with relatives but hoped to start rebuilding her home with the help of Government.

The Commissioner Western’s office has been inundated with requests for tents and tarpaulins from those made homeless by Severe TC Winston.

Advisory councillor Anand Kumar said many people were living in temporary shelters or with family.

“A lot of our residents were badly affected and I have put forward their requests for help and we are hoping that help will come,” Mr Kumar said.

“My main priority is for our electricity and water supply to be restored.”

The Prime Minister made a few stops in rural settlements in Lautoka yesterday before moving on to Ba.

Donated construction supplies, hygiene kits and water were delivered by Mr Bainimarama to the affected settlements.