Assistance has been provided to the Korovou family in Sigatoka whose home was damaged by a rogue waterspout on January 9.
Outgoing Minister for National Disaster Management Sakiusa Ditoka said a team of government officials and counsellors was deployed to the site last Saturday with supplies for the affected family.
“Team Nadroga visited the affected family on Saturday last week to carry out our assessment,” he said.
“Not only did we carry out assessments, but we also engaged Empower Pacific to conduct counselling for the family.
He said tarpaulins were also delivered by the team from the Nadroga Navosa Provincial Administrator’s office.
“We have carried out our assessment on the damage caused by the tornado for our submission.”
Mr Ditoka said Shangri La Fijian Resort has extended its support to help with rehabilitating the damaged house.
Calling out the ministry for its lack of support, Opposition MP Vijay Nath said house owner, Desmond Dass and his family were forced to shelter under damaged tarpaulins that left the family exposed to the elements.
“This situation is unacceptable,” said Mr Nath in a statement.
“A family whose home is now unsafe and whose estimated repair cost exceeds $50,000 has been left waiting for meaningful assistance from the very office tasked with disaster response.
“The only support provided so far was basic tarpaulin from district offices, not the substantial help required at this stage of recovery.”
