The Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, highlighted during a recent parliamentary statement that some schools in Fiji lack valid land leases. This finding emerged from his recent visits to various educational institutions. Radrodro confirmed that the Ministry of Education is collaborating with relevant stakeholders, including the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB), to resolve these land lease issues, which are critical for securing rehabilitation assistance for affected schools.
He specifically mentioned Matuku Secondary School, which has experienced complications regarding its land lease. The school has been part of efforts to create a junior secondary school since 1967, but related projects have not been completed. The interim school committee has been given forms EA2 and EA3 to proceed, and plans are in place for the secondary school’s lease to be integrated with that of Ratu Mocevakaca Primary School.
Radrodro expressed gratitude for the support received from development partners, humanitarian organizations, and financial institutions throughout the years, noting that their contributions have significantly accelerated recovery and rehabilitation initiatives. He acknowledged the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for its support during Tropical Cyclone Yasa and recognized the assistance from the embassy of Japan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the UAE government, Indonesia, UNICEF, Save the Children, and others not explicitly mentioned.