A new social infrastructure program has been launched to build new classrooms and address urgent maintenance needs for schools along the Suva-Nausori corridor.
Funded by the Australian government, the program was initiated by the Australian High Commissioner, alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad and Education Minister Aseri Radrodro at Jagindra Singh Primary School in Tamavua, Suva.
Prof. Prasad announced that the $33 million social infrastructure program will help the government develop school infrastructure along the Suva-Nausori corridor.
An audit is currently being conducted on 86 schools to assess their needs.
Education Minister Aseri Radrodro emphasized that the program aims to address the high teacher-to-student ratio in schools. “All buildings will be category 5 cyclone certified, built from locally sourced materials, and equipped with rainwater harvesting and solar power,” he stated.
Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Ewen McDonald highlighted that the program will create safe and conducive learning environments where students can thrive and teachers are supported with the necessary facilities to deliver quality education.
Additionally, the Australian government will provide technical support to the Ministry of Education’s asset management unit under this program.