'Teachers forced to collect rainwater in leaking quarters'

Teachers in Fiji are forced to use buckets to collect rainwater inside their living quarters, the Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) revealed yesterday as it renewed calls for the Coalition Government to prioritise the welfare of educators.

FTA general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga said many teachers, especially in rural and maritime areas, were living in near-collapse structures with no proper water supply or decent housing.

“When it rains, teachers are using buckets to catch water in their living quarters. Some are living in conditions that are simply unacceptable,” Mr Manumanunitoga said.

He warned that if the government continued to ignore their plight, the union’s more than 4600 members could again take political action.

“We helped change the government in 2022 because our calls for decent housing, better pay and fair treatment were ignored. If change doesn’t come, we may again consider protest action,” he said.

The FTA said it had repeatedly lodged requests and proposals under the FijiFirst administration, including six separate strike applications, but none were approved.

Frustration grew to the point where members campaigned against the then-government ahead of the last general election.

While the Coalition Government has shown some willingness to engage, Mr Manumanunitoga said patience was wearing thin.

“We are giving it time, but teachers cannot continue living in these conditions,” he said.

The FTA is also investing in its own future, with a $26 million commercial property under construction in Suva to help generate income and reduce reliance on state support.

“Governments come and go, but teachers will always be needed,” Mr Manumanunitoga said.