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 inaugurated by the High Commissioner along with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, and the Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, at Jagindra Singh Primary School in Tamavua, Suva this morning.
Professor Prasad stated that the $33 million social infrastructure program will support the government in constructing school infrastructure within the Suva-Nausori corridor.
An audit is currently being conducted on 86 schools to assess their specific needs.
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro highlighted that the program will help reduce the high teacher-to-student ratio in schools. “All buildings will be category 5 cyclone certified, built from locally sourced materials, and equipped with rainwater harvesting and solar power.”
Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Ewen McDonald noted that the program aims to provide safe and conducive learning spaces where students can excel and teachers are equipped with the necessary facilities 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.