Students learning in tents at a Lautoka school had to return to their termite-infested classroom because of the hot weather.
Lovu Sangam Primary is among a number of schools in the Western Division in need of urgent repair works.
School manager Parasram Goundar said a tent was erected as a temporary classroom earlier this year.
“One of the ceilings collapsed earlier this year, so we had to bring in the tent as a temporary measure,” said Mr Goundar.
“But because the weather was starting to get very hot and students and the teachers were complaining about the heat, we had to move them back into the classroom.
“Right now, the new ceiling is being held up by new support beams, but that is just a temporary measure.”
Mr Goundar said the extent of the termite infestation was discovered when the ceiling collapsed during the school holidays.
“We were very fortunate no one was in the school when it happened.
“And we saw just how bad the infestation was. We had previous cases, but they were minor ones, and we would always report them to the Biosecurity (Authority of Fiji).
“Now, we are looking at a long-term solution.”
Mr Goundar said scoping works were being carried out to determine a more resilient structure.
“We are looking at using steel which will be our long-term solution to address this.
“We are carrying out our scoping works and collecting quotations. Once that is done, we will be able to know how much this work will cost.”
About 610 students are enrolled at the school with five classrooms infested by termites, forcing more than 80 students to have classes in tents.
