AN organisation based in the Western Division that conducted relief work immediately after Tropical Cyclone Evan was not spared by the Category Four storm.
Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprise and Development (FRIEND) suffered extensive damage to its Tuvu headquarters and while assessments were being made, general manager Samisoni Pareti said the final bill could be as high as $500,000.
The worst-hit was FRIEND's food production area, home of the famous FRIEND Fiji Style pickles, chutneys, jams and herbal teas.
"FRIEND lost all three buildings at its headquarters in Tuvu on the Kings Rd and the total cost of damage is still being assessed although we believe it could be as high as $500,000," Mr Pareti said.
"Our training bure and the Deacon timber building were completely destroyed and our main office lost its roof, making it un-useable for now. FRIEND is grateful to the executives of the Young Women's Christian Association Fiji for allowing us to rent part of its building on Drasa Avenue as FRIEND's temporary office."
Mr Pareti said FRIEND's mobile medical team was not affected and took part in post-Evan assessments and relief work. FRIEND's GROW agriculture program was also held up for a week.