A woman who lost her home to a fire in Nakasi last week is taking refuge in a decrepit mini-van in Wainibuku.
Anita Devi, a Social Welfare recipient, said she had nowhere else to go after her house was razed to the ground.
The 45-year-old said she was grateful to the owner of a tyre repair business for offering her the abandoned vehicle to live in.
“I have no one else to help me and when the kind owner of this tyre centre allowed me to stay here, I was very happy,” she said.
While she was happy with her home, this newspaper noted there was barely any shelter from the elements – three windows were missing and lack of insulation inside the vehicle would have her exposed to the recent cold snap.
When asked of her immediate needs, Ms Devi said she needed warm clothes and blankets.
“I only have some clothes left after the fire and it’s been very cold and windy lately but it’s the only place I can stay in for now.
“I only get $35 social welfare assistance and $50 food voucher — that is all I have to sustain me.”
Turtle Tyre Services owner Krishna Dutt said he felt sorry for Ms Devi when she came crying to him after she lost her home.
“The wrecked vehicle was the only place I could offer her but I have also been providing her meals as well as our toilet and shower,” the 60-year-old said.
“I really hope that Government or some non-government organisation (NGO) can provide her a place to stay as she cannot live in a place like this.”
