Businessman helps firefighters

ARakiraki businessman’s quick thinking and selfless act may well be the reason why the fire at the A. Gafoor building last Monday was manageable.

Abhinesh Nandan, the director of Bhimas Group did not think twice when he deployed his water trucks and people to help the National Fire Authority in putting out the inferno.

Mr Nandan said: “The National Fire Authority turned up and the first hydrant they hooked up to had no water.”

He has five water trucks which he contracts to the Water Authority of Fiji.

Two of those trucks were nearby so he sent it out to assist the firefighters after which he called in all his remaining water trucks to put the fire out.

He said this is not the first time he has helped NFA put out the fire. “I’ve helped with the Penang School fire, Meenoos and Vinod Patel building.

“When I hear of any fire around where I can help, I send my trucks.”

From his own team he volunteered five water trucks and 20 men.

Mr Nandan said he hopes people learn from situations like this.

“If you can’t afford insurance, at least be self-sufficient and invest in proper safety equipment.

“It is important to be able to try and put the fire under control until you get help from the authorities.”

Temporary relocation

Meanwhile, the Rakiraki Town Council has temporarily relocated the five businesses which suffered from the inferno to the old

Rakiraki lockout.

This used to be an area for grog and suki vendors.

The council has waived its onemonth and bond rental fee to them to help them in this crisis.

Investment

On the business front, Mr Nandan has invested more than $1.5 million in a commercial complex in Rakiraki Town.

He hopes to complete the project in the next months.

There will be four spaces available for commercial rent and a flat on the top floor.

Apart from his digging, heavy machinery, trucking and construction business Mr Nandan has 25 tenants. twostorey two