Concerns are mounting over the prolonged delays in the construction of Fiji National University’s Labasa Campus, where around $12 million has already been expended with little to show for it. This project, which commenced roughly 15 years ago, has yielded only a traditional bure and three classrooms at the Naiyaca site, adjacent to Darmodar City.
FNU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Unaisi Nabobo-Baba emphasized the necessity of understanding the past before moving forward, explaining that the university spent the last year scrutinizing records related to the project to respond to queries from the government and various stakeholders. This investigation culminated in findings that were submitted to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, highlighting the stark contrast between the investment and the project’s minimal progress.
At a recent graduation ceremony, Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere noted that discussions regarding a national university in the Northern Division had begun back in 2008. He pointed out that many students from Vanua Levu were commuting to Viti Levu for their studies, which underscored the need for a local facility. He revealed that land for the campus was donated in 2013 with expectations that construction would wrap up by 2018. During a groundbreaking ceremony that year, assurances were made regarding timely completion, yet these promises have failed to materialize.
Ratu Wiliame remarked on the incomplete structures as symbols of neglect and inadequate planning, raising important questions about accountability concerning the commitments made to the Northern Division. These largely deserted buildings serve as a poignant reminder of the promises made and the aspirations for educational development that remain unfulfilled.
Despite the setbacks, the story of the Labasa Campus reflects a broader conversation about the need for educational access in Fiji and the continued advocacy for progress in the Northern Division. Moving forward, there remains hope that the situation can be rectified, and the vision for the Labasa Campus can become a reality, ultimately benefiting students and communities across the region.
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