JASPER Williams High School is among the worst damaged schools in Lautoka following the battering by Tropical Cyclone Evan three weeks ago.
A report released by the Ministry of Provincial Development and National Disaster Management showed the school damage was estimated at $421,000.
Lautoka Ahmadiya Primary and Tavarau Primary School recorded damage of $139,000 and $135,000 respectively while assessment for Saint Thomas High School, Jasper Williams Primary School and Raviravi Sangam were yet to be completed. Commissioner Western Commander Joeli Cawaki said school repairs remained as government's priority objectives.
"We are aware of the damage to schools and the government is working closely with other non-governmental organisations in completing all the repairs," he said.
"Despite the damage to schools, it will not affect the commencement of school in the west especially to damaged schools. The Republic of Fiji Military Forces engineers are also working tirelessly in assisting with the repair works," Cdr Cawaki said.
One of the badly-hit schools in the maritime zone is the Bukama Village School with 100 per cent damage.
Bukama Village headman Pita Tuituraga said the villagers were concerned about the education of their children after all buildings and school textbooks were destroyed by the cyclone.