Former vice-chancellor of the Fiji National University (FNU), Professor Nigel Healey, has shared insights concerning the troubled Naiyaca Campus project in Labasa, which has faced several challenges since its inception in 2015. In a recent statement, he detailed the complexities surrounding the project that has seen nearly $20 million spent but remains half-built.
Prof Healey, who led FNU from 2016 to 2019, expressed that the project was ambitious from the beginning and suffered from a variety of issues, including its flood-prone location, slow decision-making processes, a financially struggling contractor, adverse weather conditions, and ultimately, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He described the development of the campus as a significant aspect of the former FijiFirst government’s initiative to revitalize Labasa, which, along with an adjacent shopping complex, promised to create jobs and improve access to higher education for the youth in Vanua Levu. However, logistical issues, such as delays caused by flooding at the site and the difficulty in securing timely decisions from the Fiji Roads Authority, compounded the project’s struggles.
The construction firm responsible, Kartika Construction Plumbing Services Ltd, faced cash flow problems exacerbated by poor weather conditions, ultimately leading to the termination of their contract in 2020. Prof Healey emphasized that decisions were made following proper protocols after the company consistently fell behind schedule. His tenure at FNU ended just as the pandemic struck, severely affecting government revenues and halting any chance of project recovery.
Despite these setbacks, Prof Healey noted that the community had hoped the Labasa campus would one day feature modern facilities, contributing to the education and economic development of the region. The vision for the campus remains a source of potential hope for future educational opportunities, even as uncertainties linger regarding its completion.
In summary, the Naiyaca Campus project is a clear illustration of how external factors can significantly derail ambitious infrastructure developments. However, there remains optimism that, with renewed planning and resources, similar future projects could better serve the educational needs of the northern region of Fiji.
This ongoing situation highlights the need for careful planning and execution in large public projects, as well as the importance of adaptive strategies in response to unforeseen challenges.
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