In an effort to provide affordable and climate-resilient housing for students and staff as well as other buildings throughout the campus, University of Fiji has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Pacific Islands Infrastructure Inc to develop a new campus master plan for their Lautoka Campus.
Pacific Islands Infrastructure CEO, David Rosewell says their team is excited to work with the UniFiji executives, staff and students throughout the design process and lead the construction of the new campus.
Rosewell says they envisage a process of 3 stages over the next few years.
He says the aim of the development is to improve the academic environment for its students and staff, through better housing, an on-campus cafeteria, additional sporting facilities, reduced transportation needs, and improved student security.
The PII CEO says this should lead to a greater supportive environment for each and every student putting them in the best position to achieve their academic goals.
He says this project fits within the corporate mission of PII of helping communities improve their lives through better infrastructure.
The University’s team is being led by UniFiji Executive Director, Finance, Planning & Development Dr Ravineet Sami, who has been instrumental in the concept of this partnership.
In September, PII Director Andrew Keay,, David Rosewell, CEO, and Hamilton Heading from Wabi Structures visited both Saweni and Samabula campuses.
They met with UniFiji Vice Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem, and other leaders, staff and students.
Uni Fiji says the MoU also aligns with their Strategic Plan 2022-2026 on sustainable education delivered in a holistic way with the human values, emotional intelligence and “advocacy for the public good” parameters measured as KPIs and Outcomes.
They says the partnership was assisted by Tourism Manager from Pacific Trade Invest Onorina Fugawai, and a team led by Kamal Chetty from Investment Fiji, including Parikshat Chand and Zafrin Ali.
UniFiji says significant additional benefits for the project will arise from the development of alternative uses and/or streams of income for the University during times of non-academic use as well as benefits to the citizens of Fiji through improved community facilities and increased international recognition.
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