Last week, we highlighted the Naiyaca Campus project, a $40 million initiative designed to provide affordable tertiary education to students in the Northern Division through the Fiji National University (FNU). Although construction began in 2018, progress has been sluggish, ultimately halting entirely in 2020. As of now, only rusting iron frames are visible on the site, which was once envisioned as a thriving educational facility.
A closer look at the key stakeholders reveals that FNU selected Civil and Environmental Engineering Solutions Ltd (CEESOL) as the primary contractor for this project, with various firms providing additional technical support, including Design Hut, Edison Consultants, and Quantech Pacific.
FNU stated that the location was chosen due to its proximity to Labasa Town Centre and ease of access to public transportation. Civil works were initially funded by the government for approximately $27 million, with groundwork commencing in 2015 after thorough studies were conducted.
Sources indicate that CEESOL, as the main project manager, was responsible for coordinating designs and overseeing project execution. Design Hut developed the architectural plans, while Engineered Designs handled the structural engineering aspects, and Edison Consultants managed the design of utilities and service systems. Quantech Pacific served as the quantity surveyor, focusing on financial management and budgetary oversight.
However, various issues, particularly regarding design coordination, led to construction delays. A contractor explained that despite some progress, approximately 70 to 80 percent of the tasks faced interruptions due to ongoing design variations and disagreements over site plans, including the placement of essential components like a security guard hut.
One significant factor in these complications was inadequate communication among the contractors. This lack of coordination in drawing management resulted in confusion and inconsistencies in project execution. Concerns were also raised regarding the capabilities of some consultants in managing such a large-scale undertaking.
Although the current situation appears grim, it highlights the importance of efficient communication and meticulous planning in large construction projects. If stakeholders can come together to address these issues, there may still be hope for revitalizing the Naiyaca Campus project. A renewed commitment to collaboration could eventually lead to improvements in the construction timeline and fulfill the aspirations of furthering educational opportunities in the region.
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