THE Nadroga Navosa Provincial Council has given its full support to the conversion of the Nadroga/Navosa Provincial School into a technical college.

Council administrator Viliame Burenivalu said the council fully endorsed the move and approach by the Ministry of Education.

“We had called a special meeting last month to specifically discuss converting the school into a technical college,” he said.

“And as far as we are concerned we endorse the idea and we have given our blessing to carry out the conversion.”

He said all of the actual work to convert the school would be carried out by Government.

“The Education Ministry is handling the project and we are hopeful that the technical college will be open by next year. This will be a great benefit for the province and especially in the education of our children.”

Opposition MP Viliame Gavoka had submitted a petition in Parliament this week in protest against the project.

Responding to the petition, Education Minister Dr Mahendra Reddy said it was surprising that Mr Gavoka would criticise the program.

“This issue is shocking because Mr Gavoka has decided to criticise the program designed to increase the skilled base programs of our nation and benefit every Fijian,” he said in a statement.”