Former Vice-Chancellor of the Fiji National University (FNU), Professor Nigel Healey, has shared insights regarding the troubled Naiyaca Campus project in Labasa, which has cost the university approximately $20 million but remains unfinished. In a recent statement, Prof Healey highlighted that the project faced numerous challenges from its inception, a situation he noted has become increasingly complex over the years.
The Naiyaca Campus was first announced in 2015 as part of a broader initiative by the former FijiFirst government aimed at rejuvenating the city of Labasa. Prof Healey described key hurdles, such as the campus’s flood-prone location, inefficient decision-making processes, a financially constrained contractor, adverse weather conditions, and the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He emphasized that, alongside the construction of the Damodar City shopping complex, the campus was intended to boost employment and educational accessibility for the youth of Vanua Levu. The project was mainly financed through annual capital grants from the government and was overseen by the Construction Implementation Unit (CIU) of the Ministry of Economy.
Prof Healey explained that the site’s location within a floodplain necessitated extensive earthworks to create a suitable platform for construction. This process took several years, delaying the actual building work, which only commenced in 2018. A succession of floods further stalled development by hampering progress on critical infrastructure, such as retaining walls and foundational work.
Moreover, logistical challenges such as “stretched supply lines” and delayed decisions from the Fiji Roads Authority about access road specifications exacerbated the project’s delays. Ultimately, the contractor, Kartika Construction Plumbing Services Ltd, faced serious cash flow issues, which culminated in the termination of their contract in 2020.
Prof Healey’s tenure at FNU coincided with significant fiscal constraints due to the pandemic, which severely impacted the government’s revenue and, by extension, funding for the project. During his leadership, all project meetings were conducted diligently with relevant stakeholders and contractors, maintaining a focus on progress whenever possible.
Although the Naiyaca Campus has encountered numerous obstacles, it still represents an essential investment in the educational landscape of Vanua Levu. The government’s continued commitment to ultimately revitalize the area offers hope that future efforts may succeed where past initiatives have faltered. The challenges faced could serve as valuable lessons for managing large-scale projects in the region, fostering resilience and adaptability moving forward.
In summary, while the Nauyaca Campus project has faced significant setbacks, Professor Healey’s reflections articulate a path for potential progress and renewed investment in education, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and collaboration among stakeholders in overcoming such hurdles.
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