The Australian government will rebuild 15 permanent school structures on Vanua Levu at a cost of $18 million.
Education Minister Rosy Akbar said the new structures would be constructed to withstand Category 5 cyclones.
She made the comment at Dama District School and Bua District School yesterday where she conducted groundbreaking ceremonies for temporary classrooms.
“Our Government believes in building back better and we are grateful to the Australian government for funding this huge project,” Ms Akbar said.
“So we are identifying the schools that need this permanent structure and there are a few in Bua so I am meeting with the engineers from the Australian Defence Force to discuss this with them.
“It’s very important for the team in the North to compile a good report and feedback because we will work on this in carrying out this project.”
While addressing parents at Bua District School, she also said as part of the plan, Bua Primary and Bua District schools, located less than a kilometre from each other, could merge.
“Do we need two schools in the same area and less than five minutes away from each other or should we build one big school to cater for both?
“But that is an issue we need to discuss with the management of both schools and the community.”
