OPM seeks temporary office amid asbestos scare

The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) is searching for temporary office space after asbestos health risks forced the evacuation of its current building, and plans to relocate to FHL Tower fell through.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka had announced during yesterday's opening of the Asian Development Bank’s Pacific Sub-Regional Office at FHL Tower that his office would move into the same building.

“Renovations are planned for my current office, and I’m sure I will see more of your sub-regional staff within the building complex once we relocate,” Mr Rabuka said in his speech.

However, when contacted later yesterday evening, Mr Rabuka confirmed the plan had changed.

He said the proposed move was overtaken after the preferred office space at FHL Tower was allocated to two new tenants, leaving the OPM to continue its search for alternative premises while asbestos is removed from the New Wing Building.

Asbestos is a hazardous building material that poses serious health risks when disturbed and requires full evacuation during removal.

A senior official in the Prime Minister’s Office said several options were being considered, including two double-storey wings at the Old Parliament Complex in Veiuto, Suva, for a temporary period of two to three years.

Several Government ministries have already vacated the New Wing Building, including Immigration, Policing and Defence. The Ministry of Information is also preparing to relocate.

The OPM, including the Cabinet Office, occupies Levels 3 and 4 of the building and is expected to return once refurbishment is complete.