Aus, NZ And French Defence Forces With RFMF Complete Reconstruction

Thanks to a dedicated project team consisting of personnel from Australian, New Zealand and French Armed Forces, including the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ manpower, the reconstruction of six classrooms of Lekutu Secondary School in Bua was completed.
Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development, Jale Sigarara, thanked them and respective representatives from their embassies during the handing-over ceremony at the school on Thursday.
“I wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge the support of the Australian Government through the Vuvale Partnership in the re-construction of nine schools across Fiji,” he said.

Australian Government provided their defence personnel through the Vuvale Partnership. Photo: Australian High Commission
“I acknowledge the dedicated members of the project team who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the completion of the project as planned.”
The classroom blocks were severely damaged by Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020. The damages amounted to more than $1 million.
“Today, we again afford that right to the 220 plus students from the Lekutu District who have been enrolled to pursue secondary level studies at Lekutu Secondary School.”
Since TC Yasa, students were relocated to other schools.
Most were relocated to Labasa College which was a one-hour and 22-minutecommute, one way.
“Good facilities create a favorable learning environment through which students can thrive.
“The learning environment we create is reflected by the physical environment that we provide.”

Australian defence personnel discuss the construction plans of the newly built category 5 proof classrooms.
Photo: Australian High Commission
Feedback: shratikan@fijisun.com.fj