Termite Crisis: Schools in Fiji Rally for Urgent Repairs!

A school in Lautoka is urgently undertaking minor repair work in preparation for the upcoming termite swarming season, which spans from September to November. Drasa Secondary School’s principal, Pushp Sharma, reported that various areas of the school, including vocational rooms and key learning spaces, have already been affected by termite infestations.

The principal noted that the VTC1 and VTC2 rooms have suffered damage, and a storage room, a science lab, and the home economics room, among others, are also dealing with infestations. Efforts to combat this issue involve calling in Biosecurity, which has been responsive in treating the affected areas.

To mitigate the damage caused by the termite infestation, parts of the school infrastructure have been repaired using the school’s free education grant, although most repairs have been minimal and temporary. Despite not having extensive repairs completed yet, the school’s management stays vigilant in monitoring signs of termite activity and calls for Biosecurity intervention as needed.

The urgent situation at Drasa Secondary School is reflective of a broader concern, as schools in Fiji’s Western Division are reportedly facing similar challenges due to termite infestations. Last year, Lovu Sangam Primary School had to revert to temporary tents for classes when it discovered severe termite damage that led to a ceiling collapse. The Fiji government has recognized termite infestations as a significant issue affecting educational infrastructure and has committed to funding solutions to combat this problem.

Communities are rallying to secure better conditions for their students, and there is a growing sense of resilience among schools navigating these challenges. As various initiatives seek to enhance educational facilities and structures, there’s hope for continued improvements that will support safe learning environments across Fiji.

This collaborative effort signifies an ongoing commitment from various stakeholders to restore safe learning spaces, and there is optimism that through continued support and investment, students will benefit from better educational conditions in the near future.