The Government admits there is 'really no excuse' for the delay in rebuilding the classroom blocks damaged by a tornado in 2020, when questioned on why it has taken six years to rebuild theÂ
The issue was raised during the Fijian Media Association Town Hall Forum in Korovou after members of the FMA visited the school and saw that Year 10 students are expected to begin learning in donated UNICEF tents while waiting for permanent classrooms.
Speaking on behalf of the government, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sakiasi Ditoka acknowledged the delay, saying there was no excuse and that competing government priorities had delayed the project.
Ditoka says efforts are now underway to ensure the rebuilding is addressed during this financial year, with provincial and divisional officials also taking note of the concerns raised.
Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad says while the Coalition Government has rebuilt many schools damaged by Cyclone Yasa and earlier natural disasters over the past three years, Tailevu North College should not have had to wait six years, particularly given its proximity to Suva.
He says the Ministry of Education has consistently received significant funding for infrastructure and hopes the project will not face any further delays.
Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu said the previous government sought assistance from the Japanese Government through JICA for schools affected by Cyclones Winston and Harold.
However, he says while other buildings at Tailevu North College were repaired, the damaged vocational and gymnasium block was considered a lower priority and was left out of the JICA-funded programme.
Seruiratu says the Ministry of Education had intended to fund the project through its Asset Management Unit or seek external assistance if funding became available.
Opposition MP Premila Kumar says more than $250 million was spent rebuilding schools following Cyclone Winston, while the COVID-19 pandemic also forced the Government to redirect resources and delayed infrastructure projects.
She says priority was given to rebuilding teaching classrooms, while the damaged recreational and vocational facilities at Tailevu North College had to wait.
The school officials have said that the damaged structures were for classes, and this is the reason why the students are having classes in donated tents.
They say they have been asking for support to rebuild the classroom blocks since 2020.
During the discussion, it was confirmed that funding has now been secured through the Embassy of Japan to rebuild the two damaged classroom blocks, with work expected to be carried out during the current financial year.
