Reconstruction works by 30 Indonesian military engineers commenced at Queen Victoria School in Tailevu yesterday.

Republic of the Fiji Military Forces liaison officer, Major Mikaele Wara said 30 Indonesia military engineers were currently on the ground and had already started with the first stages of reconstruction.

When the Fiji Sun arrived yesterday, Republic of the Fiji Military Forces, Deputy Commander, Brigadier-General Mohammed Aziz and  RFMF personnel were making a tour of the school with the Indonesian military personnel.

“Another 70 Indonesia military engineers are expected to arrive in the country on the first of next month,” Major Wara said.

“First they will commence with chapel; most of the materials used in this area are locally supplied while majority of the construction materials for the other school buildings will be brought from Indonesia.

“The other construction materials are still on their way to Fiji and at the moment they have decided to begin with reconstruction works in the school chapel.”

Major Wara said they would need to demolish a few buildings within the school.

“Existing structures will be demolished and reconstruction works of these buildings will start from scratch; seventy per cent of the school layout will remain the same but the structure will be different,” he said.

“The buildings are expected to cater for 120 students according to the designers but from a perspective of our military engineers it will cater for more than 200 students.”

Indonesia Military contingent commander, Major Arif Abdillah said they hoped to complete works by the end of August.

He said the main school building would be same like the previous as it was a historical building but the sizes of the building would be extended.

However, he said dormitories would be constructed to double storey buildings.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

arieta.vakasukawaqa@fijisun.com.fj