THE Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji is taking active measures to ensure that four of its schools under its care can efficiently address the termite infestation.
The schools are Gurukul Primary School, Lautoka Arya Samaj Primary School, Pandit Vishnu Deo Memorial College, and the Ba-based school Arya Kanya Pathshala.
In response to questions sent, the Sabha said the impacted schools have made their submissions and submitted their reports for grant assistance through the District Education Office.
“The Sabha has also met and informed the Minister for Education and the Finance Minister,” the statement read.
The Sabha said it would allow schools to use their respective Free Education Grant (FEG) allocations to fund repair works.
In terms of the extent of damage and termite infestation for each of the schools, the Sabha confirmed that Gurukul Primary School’s ablution block and six classrooms were infested, eight of 10 classroom blocks for the Pandit Vishnu Deo College were damaged, Lautoka Arya Samaj Primary School’s office area and two classrooms nearby were also damaged.
For the Ba-based school Arya Kanya Pathshala, two staff quarters (now demolished under the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji supervision) and three classrooms have been impacted.
“The Sabha is seeking assistance from the Ministry of Education, failing which the Sabha may seek a bank loan to fund the maintenance.
“As for Pandit Vishnu Deo College, plans are in place to demolish the 10-classroom blocks.
“The schools are managing with internal arrangements.”
