The Ministry of Education is currently awaiting initial engineering reports regarding the Vatuwaqa Primary School before proceeding with any further actions. Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro informed Parliament that the engineers from NRW Macallan (Fiji) Ltd, along with a team from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), have conducted a comprehensive inspection of the school buildings that suffered damage from a fire.
The incident occurred on December 12, 2022, when one block of the school was completely engulfed in flames, while another block sustained partial damage. Preliminary investigations indicated that the fire started around 2 AM and was later classified as suspected arson by the National Fire Authority on December 13.
Regarding other affected schools, Radrodro mentioned several institutions that have also faced fire damage. He highlighted that restoration efforts are underway at Lelean Memorial School and Vanuakula Catholic School in Waidina, Naitasiri. Furthermore, Degei House at Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) is nearing completion and is expected to be handed over during the school’s centennial celebration next week.
Radrodro added that other damaged dormitories, such as Sukuna House at RKS and Verata House and Rewa House at Queen Victoria School (QVS), have been factored into this year’s budget, with initial work already commenced. A tender for these projects is anticipated to be issued by the end of this month.
Additionally, he mentioned that Ba Special School also suffered similar fire damage, and plans are in place to begin repairs in the current financial year. The ministry has established a Rehabilitation Unit within the Asset and Infrastructure Section, with plans to recruit rehabilitation staff in the first quarter of the financial year. Once operational, the unit will review all scoping reports and designs provided by lead consultants previously engaged by the former Construction Implementation Unit of the ministry.