The Government has paid $3 million to each family/guardian whose child was injured in the Mahdia Dorm Fire on May 21, 2023, and $5 million to each family/guardian who lost a child. The government had persons sign agreements that free the government from all potential claims for liability and injury.
The government also sought to protect itself by saying the families had independent legal advice on the agreement before signing.
According to the government, in a DPI story, they pledge to continue to offer support and assistance in various ways to enable the families to continue to cope with, and recover from, this horrendous tragedy. “In this regard, many family members requested cash which they could use to make purchases that would enhance their ability to continue to provide for their families. In response to these requests, Government offered each family financial assistance, and the families were requested to sign an agreement having received independent legal advice.”
All the affected families have signed agreements and a full report of all monies expended in respect of this tragedy will be made public in due course, DPI reported.
The Commission of Inquiry (COI), which came as a result of public agitation, is soon to be established, the government said. However, many have rejected the manner in which the government is going about establishing it, which commentators are excluding other stakeholders from having an input in formulation given this is a national issue.
A 15-year-old female has since been charged for the deaths.
