We do not want to be held responsible for projects that do not follow the right processes.
This was the advice of Commissioner Western Apolosi Lewaqai after residents of Taiperia Settlement in Navutu, Lautoka, requested that a kindergarten established by the residents three years ago be formalised.
He said the Education Ministry had laws regarding new schools.
“The important thing about that process is what sort of land the school is being established on,” he said.
“One of the biggest issues for us is the protection of our children. When we want to do something for our children we want to make sure that’s it is done properly.
“Government will not be able to help if there are doubts on the protection of our children. We have to understand their rights and we have to ensure that we protect their rights.”
He said Government would only be able to assist the new school in Taiperia after the settlement was formalised.
“We have to find out first what type of land the school is sitting on and once that is done we will be able to move forward in getting the school formalised too because if anything happens, it will be us that has to answer to it from Government.
“There are laws in place that we need to follow because we need to ensure that our children are protected.”