The Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, disclosed during a recent visit to schools that some institutions do not possess valid land leases. Speaking in Parliament, Radrodro emphasized that the Ministry is collaborating with relevant stakeholders to resolve this issue.
He noted, “During our school visitations across Fiji, it was determined that several schools were without valid land leases. The Ministry of Education is currently coordinating with the TLTB and other partners to establish land leases for the affected schools, which is essential for rehabilitation assistance.”
Radrodro highlighted Matuku Secondary School as one institution facing land lease challenges, explaining that it has been involved in the establishment of a junior secondary school since 1967, although the project remains unfinished. He mentioned that forms EA2 and EA3 have been provided to the interim school committee for further action, and the secondary school will be included in the lease of Ratu Mocevakaca Primary School, while efforts to secure their own lease are ongoing.
The Minister expressed gratitude for the support Fiji has received from development partners, humanitarian organizations, and financial institutions over the years. “Their assistance has been crucial in accelerating our recovery and rehabilitation initiatives,” he stated.
Radrodro acknowledged the strengthening of the Vuvale partnership, highlighting the support from DFAT during TC Yasa, as well as contributions from the Japanese embassy, MFAT, UAE, the government of Indonesia, UNICEF, Save the Children, and various others not specifically named.