Former Vice-Chancellor of Fiji National University (FNU), Professor Nigel Healey, has spoken out regarding the troubled Naiyaca Campus project in Labasa, which has seen around $20 million spent while remaining only partially constructed. Describing it as “complicated from the outset,” Prof. Healey outlined various challenges that plagued the initiative, first announced in 2015.
The project faced numerous obstacles, including its location within a flood-prone area, slow decision-making from involved parties, financial struggles faced by the contractor, adverse weather conditions, and disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Prof. Healey emphasized that the campus was a central part of the former FijiFirst government’s initiative to rejuvenate Labasa, aiming to generate employment and increase access to higher education for the youth of Vanua Levu.
The funding for the Labasa campus was sourced from annual government capital grants, with oversight from the Ministry of Economy’s Construction Implementation Unit (CIU). Prof. Healey highlighted the site’s geological challenges, including necessary earthworks to raise the building foundation above potential flood levels, which delayed the start of construction until 2018.
Significant flooding during construction led to further delays, as did logistical challenges with contractors primarily located in Viti Levu. Decision-making delays from the Fiji Roads Authority regarding access road specifications also contributed to timing issues. Ultimately, cash flow problems worsened for the main contractor, Kartika Construction Plumbing Services Ltd., culminating in the termination of their contract in 2020.
Prof. Healey’s tenure as vice-chancellor coincided with the onset of the pandemic, which significantly impacted government funding and halted progress on the project. He expressed his commitment to the project during his leadership, actively participating in monthly meetings to monitor progress.
Despite the setbacks, the vision for the campus remains hopeful. Once completed, the Labasa Campus is intended to offer lecture theatres, tutorial rooms, and computer labs, fulfilling the educational needs of the Northern Division. The community can look forward to the potential revitalization of education and economic opportunities once this complicated yet impactful project is eventually realized.
In summary, while the Naiyaca Campus project has faced serious difficulties leading to its halted construction, the commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and economic growth in Labasa remains strong, fostering hope that future efforts will successfully bring this vision to fruition.
Leave a comment