BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Community Development Department (JAPEM) said it is providing assistance to the 34 victims left homeless by a fire at Kampong Ayer on Thursday.

Acting Director of JAPEM Pg Mahdi Pg Hj Salleh said the victims from Kg Bakut Pg Siraja Muda ‘B’ have temporarily taken shelter at their relatives’ houses until they can move in to a new home.

JAPEM provides the affected families food and bedding, lunch and dinner every day for a week, he told The Brunei Times.

“We will continue to provide them assistance until we are sure they are fine and able to fend for themselves,” said Pg Mahdi.

When contacted yesterday, a Fire and Rescue Department officer who declined to be named said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

He added that the department would hold a meeting so that ministries and departments concerned can contribute in assisting the victims.

He said a fourth house was slightly damaged in the fire, but it was deemed safe for two of its inhabitants to continue living there.

Pg Mahdi said they have provided every household with their contact details to ensure the victims can get in touch with them.

The Brunei Times