A direct funding arrangement was signed yesterday between Fiji and Australia to assist in Fiji’s cyclone recovery program which will focus on the rehabilitation of school buildings damaged by Tropical Cyclone Yasa.
The signing has seen the Australian Government giving a grant of AUD 12.5 million (FJD 19.7 million) to be utilised over the next three fiscal periods (2021-2022, 2022-2023 and 2023-2024) as the projects progress.
The Australian Government is supporting this priority area to fund the rehabilitation and reconstruction of nine schools in the Northern Division – Lekutu Secondary School, Lekutu District School, Nukubulu Primary School, Maramarua District School, Dreketi District School, Bua District School, Dama District School, Wailevu West District School and Ratu Luke Memorial School.
In signing the agreement, Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum relayed that the past few months have been very challenging for Fiji with being hit by two tropical cyclones – TC Yasa in December 2020 and TC Ana in February 2021, and a massive second wave of COVID-19.
“Category 5 TC Yasa hit Fiji just 8 months after Category 5 TC Harold which caused widespread damage to the south-eastern parts of Fiji, which caused 4 casualties, affected 139,259 people, and caused significant damage to public infrastructure,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
“Soon after, the Fijian Government developed the Tropical Cyclone Yasa Response and Recovery Plan which identified immediate financing needs amounting to FJD 75.9 million and 3-year financing needs amounting to FJD 162 million,” he said.
“One of the key priorities of the Plan is the rehabilitation and resilient reconstruction of 59 schools.”
Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes speaking at the event highlighted the importance of the Vuvale partnership between the two countries.
“Reflecting on the importance of education and our long-standing partnership with Fiji in this sector, Australia is committing AUD 12.5 million (FJD 19.7 million) towards the rehabilitation and reconstruction of damaged schools and associated infrastructure from TC Yasa,” Mr Feakes said.
“I’m pleased to be able to offer real and practical support for our Fijian Vuvale.”
