LAND lease issues is preventing government from carrying out renovation works at Vatuwaqa Primary School which was destroyed by a fire in 2022.
In Parliament yesterday, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro said they shared the Opposition’s concerns about the school where rebuilding works have yet to commence.
“It is run by a trustee so the Ministry of Education has to get their consent before we can initiate any work to update the progress in terms of their reconstruction,” said Mr Radrodro.
“We have heard the legal advice from the Solicitor-General’s office regarding the delay undertaken by the trustees of the school which the Ministry of Education is trying to resolve.”
He said discussions, however, were progressing well.
“There is the legal aspect in terms of the conditions of the lease and the breach by the current trustees in terms of the lease.
“That is something that I have already alluded to that it is progressing well.”
Mr Radrodro was responding to a question raised by Opposition member Hem Chand, who requested an update on the progress of the reconstruction of Vatuwaqa Primary School.
During a Parliamentary update in April 2024, Minister for Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka said a full report on the blaze was with Government.
“A total of 347 students and nine teachers were at the school and they have been relocated to the neighbouring primary school, except for the head of school,” said Mr Gavoka.
“The police have reported that incident is not accidental. My ministry has requested a thorough investigation and to prosecute the liable party or parties.”
