THE Attorney-General and Education Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum’s reasons for the delay in the reconstruction of schools damaged during Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston is lame, says the Opposition.
Opposition spokesperson for education Mikaele Leawere said the statement by the Attorney-General that reconstruction of schools would take longer was totally unacceptable.
While speaking to villagers of Navakawau in Taveuni last week, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said while rebuilding cyclone affected schools, Government found that most of the schools did not have architectural and engineering plans.
He also stated that the shortage of building materials also contributed to the delay in the rehabilitation of schools.
Mr Leawere questioned the utilisation of Government’s budget in the school reconstruction program.
“We have had two successive budgets in which funds were not only allocated for the reconstruction program, but also for the training of carpenters from the local population for this reconstruction program,” Mr Leawere said.
“The lame and old excuse of lack of materials by Government is not going to be tolerated after two years.
“Government must have demonstrated the zeal to purchase these materials on its own accord rather than relying on the local hardware companies.”
