The Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, highlighted during a recent school visit that several schools in Fiji lack valid land leases. In his statement to Parliament, he noted that the Ministry of Education is collaborating with relevant authorities to resolve this matter.
Radrodro pointed out that the Ministry is working closely with the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) and other stakeholders to secure land leases for the affected schools, which is essential for accessing rehabilitation assistance. He specifically mentioned Matuku Secondary School, which has faced land lease complications. Although the school was part of a junior secondary school initiative established in 1967, the project has not yet been completed.
Forms EA2 and EA3 have been provided to the interim school committee to advance the situation, and Matuku Secondary School will be included in the lease agreement for Ratu Mocevakaca Primary School while plans for its own secondary school lease are being developed.
The Minister expressed gratitude for the support Fiji has received from various development partners, humanitarian organizations, and financial institutions over the years. He emphasized that this assistance has played a vital role in accelerating recovery and rehabilitation efforts following natural disasters.
Radrodro specifically acknowledged the contributions of DFAT, the Embassy of Japan, MFAT, the UAE government, Indonesia, UNICEF, Save the Children, and others who have provided support during challenges like Tropical Cyclone Yasa.