Presidential Visit:
Konrote Helps Widow, 60, Granddaughters
Asigh of relief was seen on 60-year-old Mereani Maramanairamo’s face after being visited by the President Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote. Ms Maramanairamo, from Naviago Village in Lautoka, was thankful to the President for taking the time to visit her and her two granddaughters. “I am thankful to the President that he has paid a visit to my family home where I shared my struggles with him while sitting on the wooden floor of my house,” said. Ms Maramanairamo has been looking after her two granddaughters, Tokasa Nakesa Marama, 12, and Mareta Dabea, 11, for six years after their father, Nelson Malipo was murdered in 2010.
“The two girls lost their father when they were still very small and their mother abandoned them outside the Lautoka City Council Depot in Waiyavi. “I lost my husband, Peni Taucake, an army corporal last year and life became very difficult,” she said. Mr Konrote said he learnt of the woman’s plight through a news report and decided to visit them in Lautoka. He urged the two girls to work hard in school and they promised to do their very best to have a better future. Mr Konrote said he had arranged with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) engineers based in Lautoka to build a proper bathroom and toilet and carry out necessary repairs to their home. “The army engineers will help with the construction of the house and new uniforms, school stationery and shoes would be provided for the girls,” he said. “I have also taken Mereani’s husband’s regimental number and will organise her to be included in the army’s after care fund.” The family also received a basket of groceries with basic food items in it. Edited by Rusiate Mataika
I am thankful to the President that he has paid a visit to my family home where I shared my struggles with him while sitting on the wooden floor of my house. Mereani Maramanairamo 60-year-old widow of Lautoka