The Ministry of Education is currently awaiting preliminary engineering assessments concerning Vatuwaqa Primary School before proceeding with further measures. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro informed Parliament that engineers from NRW Macallan (Fiji) Ltd have thoroughly examined the fire-damaged buildings in collaboration with a team from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The incident occurred on December 12, 2022, when a fire completely destroyed one school block and partially damaged another, with initial reports indicating the fire started around 2 am. The National Fire Authority (NFA) classified the fire as suspected arson the following day.
Regarding other affected schools, Radrodro noted that several institutions have experienced similar fire-related destruction. He mentioned that fire rehabilitation efforts are underway at Lelean Memorial School and Vanuakula Catholic School in Waidina, Naitasiri. Additionally, Degei House at Ratu Kadavulevu School is nearing completion and is expected to be handed over during the school’s centennial celebration next week. Other damaged dormitories, including Sukuna House in RKS and Verata House and Rewa House in Queen Victoria School, have been accounted for in this year’s budget, with preliminary works already initiated. A tender for these repairs will be issued before the month’s end.
Radrodro also highlighted that Ba Special School is among the other institutions affected by fire, with plans to initiate repairs in the current financial year. To address these challenges, the ministry has established a Rehabilitation Unit within the Asset and Infrastructure Section, aiming to secure rehabilitation staff in the first quarter of this financial year. Once operational, the unit will review all scoping reports and architectural drawings produced by lead consultants previously engaged by the Construction Implementation Unit (CIU) of the ministry.