People billeted in the various evacuation centres in the western division have been asked to make alternative arrangements with their districts officials if they feel they need time to look for a place to stay.

This follows after the evacuees at the Andrews Primary school in Nadi were directed to clear the school by this afternoon.

Commissioner Western Commander Joeli Cawaki says their officers were instructed to see that all schools be clear by today to ensure that school starts on time next week.

“Our priority is to open all schools on Tuesday. Our officials are going out to evacuation centres to see that this is done but if people feel they need a place to stay as their houses needs time to be repaired they should make arrangements with their district officers to see whether they can be billeted in a community hall for the time being. We are not going to force them out on the streets but arrangements should be made and for that there should be dialogue between the district officials and the evacuees at the various centres.”

Cawaki adds all schools in the western division used as evacuation centres should be cleared by tomorrow.