A new social infrastructure program has been launched to build new classrooms and address urgent maintenance needs for schools along the Suva-Nausori corridor.
The program, funded by the Australian government, was inaugurated by the High Commissioner alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad and Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro at Jagindra Singh Primary School in Tamavua, Suva, this morning.
Professor Prasad highlighted that the $33 million social infrastructure program will assist the government in enhancing school infrastructure along the Suva-Nausori corridor.
An audit is currently being conducted on 86 schools to assess their specific needs.
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro stated 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 added.
Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Ewen McDonald emphasized that the program provides safe and conducive learning spaces where students can excel, and where 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 as part of this program.