RECONSTRUCTION works on schools on Koro Island are yet to be completed, Attorney-General and Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum told Parliament yesterday.
In response to Opposition member of parliament Niko Nawaikula, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said three adopted schools — Nasau/Tuatua Primary School, Koro High School and Qalivakabau District School — had more than 70 per cent construction works done after the devastation caused by Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston in February, 2016.
“All these three schools have been adopted by Access to Quality Education Program (AQEP) which is under the Australian scheme,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
He also said the New Zealand Government completed construction of a new school on Vanuabalavu in Lau. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said there would soon be a call for tenders to adopt a primary school on Koro.
“There was one school called Kade Primary School on Koro where somebody had agreed to adopt, but they had not turned up with the funds and we will now call for tenders for that, so that is the situation.”
Kade Primary School manager Rusiate Vakalakovi said they received assistance from Save the Children Fiji that assisted with the construction of the school toilets and the Australian Government that helped reconstruct the headteacher’s quarters that is being occupied by two teachers.
Through the efforts of the Kade Village youths, two teachers now have their own individual quarters while the headteacher and his family have been living in a tent for the past two years.
“Government officials who visited the school last year told us work will begin this year, but to date nothing has arrived.
“We feel sorry for our teachers who have been living in tents and we cannot wait any longer for Government that’s why we have built their quarters and we hope to build another third one,” said Mr Vakalakovi. In a supplementary question, Opposition member of parliament Salote Radrodro asked the A-G for his update on a primary school on Vanuabalavu where students were still learning under tents.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum confirmed that 10 students of Avea Primary School on Vanuabalavu were learning under one tent.
He said temporary sheds were to be built for the students
“Given the circumstances, the progress is going well,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
Questions sent to Mr Sayed Khaiyum on February 22, 26, 27 and March 5 concerning school rehab works on Koro Island remained unanswered when this edition went to press last night.
The information below is sourced from the AusAid Access to Quality Education Program (AQEP) that funded the rehabilitation works of six schools on the island. Other information was sourced from school heads and school managers by this newspaper.
Nabasovi District School
The only school to be completed and was handed over to the Government in October of last year. AQEP states the scope of work included three new staff quarters, a new generator building, renovation of existing school buildings, ablution blocks and staff quarters, along with the construction of a new dining hall (built to withstand Category 5 cyclones).
Kade District School
Four teachers’ quarters destroyed – three built by villagers
One classroom block destroyed
Nakodu/Mudu Primary School
One classroom block, one dining hall, office and school library destroyed. The school was dropped by AQEP because its lease had expired.
Koro High School
Three teachers could be moving in to their new quarters this week
AQEP states Koro High School is 75 per cent complete.
Work includes fifteen teachers’ quarters, two new classrooms, one dining hall and two new dormitories.
Repairs are also in progress on two partially damaged classrooms and three partially damaged teachers’ quarters.
Qalivakabau District School
Five teachers’ quarters were damaged, one was destroyed. To date two quarters have been completed.
In addition, six classrooms destroyed, three have been completed.
AQEP states work is 80 per cent complete. Works include one new classroom, a teacher’s quarters, an ablution block and an early childhood education building, along with the repair of four partially damaged teachers’ quarters.
Nacamaki District School
Two teachers could be moving to their quarters this week.
The school is more than 80 per cent complete.
Works includes one new classroom, four teachers’ quarters, an ablution block, an ECE building and a dining hall, as well as repairs to a partially damaged teacher’s quarters.
Nasau/Tuatua Primary School
Two classes in tents, three teachers still living in tents.
AQEP states it is 75 per cent complete. The scope includes three new classrooms, seven teachers’ quarters and an ECE building. Repair works on a partially damaged classroom, an ablution block and a partially damaged teacher’s quarter.
Vunivasa District School
The five teachers and their families still remain in tents.
Vunivasa District School is 70 per cent complete.
The scope includes five new teachers’ quarters, a dining hall, two dormitories and an ECE building.
Repairs are also being carried out on two partially damaged classrooms and a partially damaged teacher’s quarter.