9 days left: Lau school races to complete safety upgrades

Renovation work at a co-educational school in Lau Province remains incomplete, with just 10 days left before a government-imposed deadline to address serious health and safety concerns.

A source at the school said the dining hall had been renovated, but work on the classrooms and main school building was yet to be completed.

The source said some equipment needed for the next stage of the renovation arrived at the school on Tuesday.

“On Tuesday, some equipment for the continuation of the renovations just arrived at the school,” the source said.

However, work on the main building, including the classrooms, remains incomplete.

The update comes after the Ministry of Health and Medical Services issued an abatement notice against the school following an inspection that found serious health and safety concerns.

The school, which caters for about 83 students, was found to have deteriorating classrooms, unsafe ablution facilities for boys and girls, and problems in the school kitchen.

The notice took effect on May 22 and gives the school until August 22 to complete the required repairs or face further enforcement action, including possible closure.

Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro confirmed that work at the school was continuing.

“Work is in progress on the refurbishment and upgrading in consultation with the school authority and stakeholders,” he said.

With the deadline fast approaching, attention is now on whether the remaining work, particularly on the main school building and classrooms, can be completed in time.

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