$80 Million Fnu Structure Far From Over

A multimillion-dollar Government project lay in ruins in Naiyaca subdivision, about seven minutes- drive from Labasa Town.

The proposed Fiji National University Labasa Campus was touted to be the hub of academic learning in the Northern Division.

The project was estimated at $80 million. Work on the project began in 2018.

But so far, what’s left is an incomplete structure that may or may never be completed.

Minister for Education Premila Kumar had informed Parliament in February this year that work had been suspended because of legal matters.

The contractor had sued FNU for illegal termination of contract in 2020.

However, the court ruled in favour of the university, stating it could en-cash the bond of $2 million.

Today, a half built two-storey structure stands visible from the road.

While the foundation of the building and walls of the first floor are visible, the project is far from over.

There are at least 18 rooms left without windows, proper tiling, and roofing.

Building materials, steel, and bags of cement are left exposed to the sun, rain, and covered in mud and grass.

Some parts of the building are overgrown with grass. The second floor has three visible lecture theatre structures without any roof or walls.

Other incomplete structures are seen nearby covered in grass.

Part of the renovation work carried out at the Naduna Campus. Photo: Ivamere Nataro

FNU RESPONSE ON NADUNA CAMPUS

While questions sent to FNU remained unanswered, the university sent out a press release to all media outlets on Thursday.

In the release, acting deputy vice-chancellor William May said the reason behind relocating to Naduna was because of the excellent facilities compared to the premises they’re currently renting.

The facilities are modern and equipped, and students don’t have to come over to Viti Levu for the programmes we want to take to the north as part of the Governments look north policy.

Naduna is expected to be fully operational next month, Mr May added.

We are fully aware that students have raised their transportation is-sues with us when we met them last week.

We have organised with bus companies in the North for frequent runs in the morning and in the afternoon.

If we have to do something for the students in the North, we have to make sure there is equity with other students in Viti Levu.

Mr May said students should be appreciative of the initiative and investment the Government was doing to be able to bring services to the North.

Feedback: ivamere.nataro@fijisun.com.fj