Insurance vital for schools, says NFA

Deshbandhu Vitogo School in Lautoka (Source: supplied)

The National Fire Authority emphasizes the need for schools to invest in insurance to limit potential losses.

While several fire incidents have been recorded in recent years, this year alone there has been significant damage to school properties due to fires at Deshbandhu Vitogo School in Lautoka, Lomaivuna High School in Naitasiri and Ra High School.

NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane highlights the economic impact of these incidents, noting that government-funded schools were particularly affected.

He urges the Ministry of Education to consider insurance options for their properties in light of the financial burden of replacing lost educational materials.

“A lot of things were damaged by the fire. In particular the one in Lomaivuna and also the one in Vitogo. Some computers and tablets have been destroyed.”

Sowane adds that the fire safety status of certain schools is still questionable.

“We want to work closely with the Ministry of Education to engage with them and also train some of their firefighters to look after their school and school children.”

He emphasizes that a proactive approach is essential to improve fire safety compliance in all schools.