A new social infrastructure program has been launched to build new classrooms and address urgent maintenance needs for schools along the Suva-Nausori corridor.
The program, funded by the Australian government, was launched by the High Commissioner along with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad and Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro at Jagindra Singh Primary School in Tamavua, Suva this morning.
Prof. Prasad stated that the $33 million social infrastructure program will help the government build school infrastructure along the Suva-Nausori corridor.
An audit is currently underway on 86 schools to assess their needs.
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro noted that the program will tackle the high teacher-to-student ratio in schools. “All buildings will be category 5 cyclone certified, constructed from locally sourced materials, and equipped with rainwater harvesting and solar power,” he added.
Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Ewen McDonald mentioned that the program will provide safe and conducive learning spaces where students can thrive and teachers are supported with the facilities needed to deliver quality education.
Additionally, the Australian government will offer technical support to the Ministry of Education’s asset management unit as part of the program.