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According to an article, in 1998, a search began for the parents of a disabled girl who had left her at home, starving. Fiji Times June 8 of the same year.
Raijieli Waqavolau’s parents had travelled to Suva a few weeks ago without providing food and water to the 17-year-old.
As of the evening of 7 June, they had not yet returned to their home in Garapani, 12 kilometres from Tavua.
Police are expected to go to Suva on June 8 to search for her parents.
Raijieli went undiscovered until last week, when the nearest neighbours decided to come visit.
Social welfare officials are concerned about Raijieli’s safety as her house is located in a criminal hideout.
At night, Raijieli was alone in total darkness.
She could not walk or stand and could only crawl.
The nearest house is about 100 meters away.
On June 7, she narrated her ordeal to social welfare officer Tavua/Nadarivatu Kolinio Ulakia outside her home.
Rajjeli said her parents have not returned yet and no relatives have come to visit.
She was in such bad shape that she couldn’t even get herself a bottle of water.
Mr Urakia said the community nurse reported the situation to his office last week and was informed of Raijeli’s plight by a resident of Garapani.
“I then visited the child and confirmed that she had been abandoned and had no one to take care of her,” Mr Urakia said.
“She was locked in the house. We managed to find the key and provided her with food and water. I also informed her immediate family but so far, no one has turned up.
“After receiving the report, when I went to visit Raijieli, I found that she did not have any food ration or anything to sustain herself.”
Mr Urakia said Rejeli had not eaten for several days before he was found.
Neighbors visited her with food and water.
“I have also submitted my report to the Director of Social Welfare to decide on the next course of action,” he said.
“Our biggest concern is that as a disabled woman, Raijieli’s parents have failed in their duty to care for and protect her over the past three to four weeks.
“The area is unsafe and there is some criminal activity going on from time to time.”
Meanwhile, the social welfare department will also provide assistance to Raijieli.
Her nearest neighbour, Litia Matamalumu, said the girl’s parents left in May to visit their married daughter.
“They didn’t mention Raijieli,” Ms Matamalumu said.
“There was no electricity at home and she stayed alone at night.
“She couldn’t walk and couldn’t lock the door when she went to sleep.
“I come here every day to give her food and water. I fetch water from home to bathe her and clean the house.”
Tavua police chief ASP Isimeli Waikelokelo said he had received a report.
“We have sent a message to the Nasinu police and it appears that the girl’s parents are there and will come to Tavua later today.”
ASP Waikelokelo said police would question Raijieli’s parents.
He could not say whether charges would be filed.
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