Last week, we highlighted the Naiyaca Campus, a $40 million project intended to offer affordable tertiary education to students in the Northern Division through the Fiji National University (FNU). Although construction started in 2018, work has significantly slowed, halting completely in 2020, leaving behind rusting iron frames at the construction site.
Initially, FNU appointed Civil and Environmental Engineering Solutions Ltd (CEESOL) as the main contractor for the project, with support from Design Hut, Edison Consultants, and Quantech Pacific. The campus was strategically placed near Labasa Town Centre for easier access to public transportation. The project’s construction received government funding of approximately $27 million, with civil works starting in 2015 after thorough geological testing.
A contractor, who spoke anonymously, explained the roles of various contractors involved in this significant initiative. CEESOL was responsible for overall project management, from obtaining designs from various contractors to coordinating the project execution. Design Hut handled architectural designs, while Engineered Designs managed structural aspects, and Edison Consultants took care of service engineering.
However, the project faced delays due to issues with drawing coordination and design discrepancies. Inconsistencies in the plans, hampered by miscommunication among the various consultants, have stalled significant portions of the project. Specific construction elements, such as the placement of a security guard hut, became contentious due to unresolved decisions regarding site elevation, which further contributed to the delays.
Communication breakdowns and coordination problems have been identified as key factors in the project’s stalling. Questions about the capabilities of one consultant to manage the project have also emerged, adding to the concern regarding the overall progress of the Naiyaca Campus.
Despite these setbacks, there remains an opportunity for improvement and recovery. By addressing the communication issues and enhancing collaboration among all parties involved, there is a chance to revitalize this essential educational initiative. If effectively resolved, the Naiyaca Campus could ultimately fulfill its promise of providing accessible education to countless students in the region.
In summary, while the Naiyaca Campus project faces significant challenges stemming from communication and coordination issues among contractors, there is potential for recovery. A renewed focus on collaboration may lead to fruitful progress that ultimately benefits the local student population.
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