Mahdia Tragedy: Financial support given to families after consultations – President

President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday said his government’s decision to provide cash support to families affected by the Mahdia tragedy was guided by robust consultations.

“This is something from consultation with the people.

“I don’t have to wait until the end of the [Commision of Inquiry] to respond to the needs of the people, to respond to concerns of the people (and) to respond to requests from the people,” President Ali told reporters at the sidelines of an event on Monday.

As part of efforts to provide some relief to families following the horrific tragedy at the female dormitory of the Mahdia Secondary School in Region Eight, the government is offering financial support valued at $5 million to the families who lost children in the fire.

Additionally, the News Room understands that the families of children who were injured would likely get $3 million.

The Head of State emphasised that members of his Cabinet continued to engage affected families since the tragedy.

Meanwhile, the President said that the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the fire that he promised should be named before the end of the week. A swearing-in ceremony should follow soon after.

Previously, Dr. Ali said Major General (Ret’d) Joseph Singh would lead the CoI.

A total of 20 children- 19 girls and one five-year-old boy- lost their lives after the tragedy. Several others were injured with one 13-year-old girl still receiving care abroad.

It was reported that the fire was started by a young student, but safety concerns about the dormitory have been raised.