The construction of a boys’ dormitory at Levuka Public School in Ovalau is yet to be completed.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, Mahendra Reddy in Parliament yesterday. Fire had destroyed the dormitory

SODELPA Opposition MP, Mika Leawere had asked the Education Minister about the progress of the construction works.

In reply, Mr Reddy said the girls’ and boys’ dormitories including the dining hall were fully destroyed in a fire in 2012.

However, Mr Reddy said construction on the girls’ dormitory was completed in 2014 with an estimated cost of more than $300,000.

Construction on the boys’ dormitory, he said was put on hold because the contractor had refused to complete works in 2015.

The contractor had claimed that he did not receive payments, which led them to stop the construction works, Mr Reddy said.

He said the site of the boys’ dormitory was relocated because there were issues relating to the boys’ and girls’ dormitories in the same location.

In 2016 Mr Reddy said constructions works on the boys’ dormitory commenced, but was stopped because the construction company demanded for more money.

He said the construction company managed to complete 30 per cent of the work required by them.

Then the Ministry of Infrastructure was brought to put the construction job on tender.

However, Mr Reddy said there was no interest when the tender was re-advertised.

He added the tender process would be closed next month.

The boys are currently accommodated at the school.

ARIETA VAKASUKAWAQA

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra