Hj Tawar hopeful to receive aid and rebuild his house

Wardi Buntar
BRUNEI-MUARA

Saturday, January 14, 2012

STILL living under a tent since his house burnt down in November 26, 2011, Kg Kilanas resident Hj Tawar Hj Leman said that he is still waiting for government aid in order to reconstruct his house.

"I just want everything to be back to normal, we have been living under a tent for so long and I am too old to rebuild it on my own," said the 54-year-old.

He explained that he has received a call before from one government agency about renovating back his house but has yet to receive any word about confirming in rebuilding his home.

"Most of my grandchildren and children are scattered among relatives because school has begun and I can't have them living in discomfort," said Hj Tawar.

He mentioned that a total of eight families were living under one roof and living under these conditions was just not appropriate especially for his 10 grandchildren.

"Yes, I was offered a temporary residence but it was a flat, and I had to politely decline because obviously our family size is just too large and how can I move all of our belongings in a small place, but I really appreciate the efforts by other government agencies and neighbours for the aid we receive," said Hj Tawar.

He shared that some government agencies have inspected the burnt house and sent food, his neighbours too have offered clothing and other basic necessities.

"The religious affairs has donated $200 for each member and the children received school supplies and the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Fund (YSHHB) has also generously donated $6,800 to our family but it is not enough for me to even rebuild one room," said Hj Tawar.

Under the tent were mattresses, a smaller tent which was supposed to be used for camping and a long table for kitchen utensils.

"We eat and sleep outside but our hopes to build back the house. I don't even mind if we were offered a temporary house because some of my sons and daughters that are working are willing to pay the rent," said Hj Tawar.

Hj Tawar explained that according to the Fire and Rescue Department report; the fire was caused by an electrical fault that came from the second section of the house at the kitchen in the second floor.

"I am happy that none of us were harmed, we just hoped that we can find help or something as we are eight families living under one roof," said Hj Tawar.

The house in the first section had three floors while the second section had two floors. With some furnitures lying around outside the dilapidated house, most of what was left inside were reduced to ashes, other valuables in the house were also burned.

Dipetik dari - The Brunei Times