SALUTATION
Ni Sa Bula Vinaka and a very Good Morning to you all!
Acknowledgement
Let me first, acknowledge the traditional owners/ custodians of the land in which we meet on today. “Vanua o Suva vua na Turaga Na Tui Suva”. We pay our respect to their elders, past, present and those who are emerging.
Opening Remarks
It is a privilege to be here today for the official launch of the Infrastructure Assessment Report for Suva-Nausori Schools – which is an essential part of the overall Education Master Infrastructure Plan Project development. This Report is a testament to our commitment to enhancing educational facilities and ensuring that every child in Fiji has access to a safe, resilient, and inclusive learning environment.
A Vision for Quality Education
Education remains at the heart of our National Development Plan (NDP) 2025 – 2029 and vision 2050. With the goal of nurturing innovative, lifelong learners and enriching lives through delivery of quality education for all, a policy/ strategy on ensuring quality education in an inclusive , safe, resilient and healthly environment is being promoted. Key activity to deliver such strategy includes improving education services by modernizing school facilities to meet increasing demand for quality education services that students and teachers of Fiji deserve. Our commitment to inclusive and equitable education is reflected in this report, which provides a roadmap for sustainable development of our schools.
Key Findings and Progress
I am informed that the Report being launched today has been put together by a technical team of experts and infrastructure engineers after a thorough assessment of the existing infrastructure. The assessment, conducted in collaboration with our development partners, evaluates 86 primary and secondary schools across the Suva-Nausori corridor. The Report identified the immediate work that is required by the Schools whilst the Education Master Infrastructure Plan is being developed on a longer term.
The implementation of the recommended actions or the work in the Report will ensure that exiting schools will continue to serve the children of Fiji, while the structural and layout works continue for the Masterplan. I must say that a major reason for the dilapilated state of school infrastructures is a poor maintenance planning and work over the years.
It has contributed to the deteriorated condition of the facilities to the stage where when repairs are needed, the major repairs are very expensive. While it highlights key areas requiring attention, it also presents exciting opportunities for investment and improvement.
As I have alluled earlier during the recent launch of the CWM Hospital Priority Infrastructure Planning (PIP) Report, I recently made a proposal to Cabinet and its members on how I felt the educational facilities in Fiji badly needing repairs, could be improved.
To reiterate, when I was in Government in the 1990s, in the days of the Public Works Department, the practice was that Government allocated funds in the National Budget based on a percentage of the total cost of Government infrastructures, particularly building repairs and maintenance.
This is no longer a practice but we are focusing more on building new ones and neglecting the older ones, and those that require structural repairs following devastation, and damages sustained from back to back Tropical Cyclones.
There will also be a proposal to re-introduce the practice of budgeting for periodic repairs and maintenance, to be brought back to Cabinet.
Addressing Overcrowding with New Classrooms
The Government is actively working to address the issue of classroom overcrowding by expanding the identified school facilities, and optimising existing spaces. This initiative will greatly improve learning conditions for numerous students in years to come.
Major Improvements to WASH Facilities
Ladies and gentlemen, 41 schools will receive additional water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities to meet national minimum standards, ensuring better health and hygiene for all students, especially girls. We are committed to ensuring that every school has modern sanitation facilities, clean drinking water, and proper waste management systems.
Strengthening Disaster Resilience
Given continuous torrential heavy rainfall leading to flash floods at low areas, our schools are always designated as evacuation centers. Therefore, our schools must be more than places of learning; they must also be safe havens during natural disasters.
Investments are being made to upgrade cyclone-proof roofing, reinforced windows, and proper drainage systems to protect both students and communities.
Enhancing Accessibility for All Students
Your Coalition Government is prioritising the construction of disability-friendly facilities, ensuring that all students, regardless of ability, have equal access to education. Future school designs will adhere to accessibility standards and provide ramps, proper pathways, and accessible restrooms.
Implementing Sustainable and Long-Term Solutions
Termite infestation is an issue and much of the old schools with old structures are affected. At this point in time, I wish to reiterate that Termite-resistant materials and preventative pest control measures will be incorporated into school renovation plans to protect buildings, and ensure longevity.
Moreover, there is an ongoing shift towards solar energy solutions in schools with unreliable grid power, transforming education outcomes and ensuring sustainable and cost-effective energy sources.
Strategic Partnerships & Call for Collective Action
Building a strong and sustainable education system requires a united effort. I acknowledge with gratitude the Australian Government for their continued support through the Allevated Vuvale Partnership.
Through the Strategic Partnership, work is being progressed to improve the access to quality education for our people. I am glad that the preliminary work has progressed well and I acknowledge the work of the joint staff, to deliver the project on time
I urge everyone in the school system, neighboring communities, partners and stakeholders to continue to support Government’s efforts in improving the education services including learning infrastructures such as schools.
Through strong partnerships, we can accelerate the transformation of Fiji’s education system. This collaborative approach is essential to achieve a more efficient, accessible and satisfactory quality driven education system for all Fijians.
Commitment to Action
The Coalition Government is dedicated to targeted investments in school infrastructure. In partnership with key stakeholders, we will:
Immediately address the needs of 14 schools identified as requiring urgent attention.
Develop a long-term infrastructure master plan to standardize classroom sizes and WASH facilities.
Legislate policies enforcing disaster-resilient and inclusive school designs for all future projects.
Empower School Management Committees with tools and training to for the sustainability of infrastructure improvements.
Enhance termite mitigation strategies in affected schools to ensure long-term sustainability.
Conclusion
With these words, let this Report serve as a catalyst for transformation. Let us commit to ensuring that every child in Fiji receives an education in a school that is safe, well-equipped, and future-ready. I acknowledge once again the Australian Government, the outgoing Australian High Commissioner and your Team for the event today, and it is with great pleasure that I launch the Infrastructure Plan Report 2024.
Vinaka Vakalevu, Dhanyavaad, and Thank You.