Valelevu Health Centre renovation

Satish Nakched, Suva

It is pleasing to note that major renovation work is currently in progress at the Valelevu Health Centre and after completion it will be able to provide a faster and better service to the general public.

I believe that since this is a major work a lot of planning and time was devoted to this project by the architects and the engineering team to ensure that all the activities are completed within the allocated time, budget and its compliance with the other legislation.

One of the critical aspect of the project that I believe was completely ignored was how will the health centre provide service to the sick during the renovation phase. Currently a makeshift shed with rusted corrugated iron sheets placed on a few of the wooden rafters which are supported by weak timber posts. The floor of the temporary shed is made out of ply board that is badly declining towards the Nasinu Road side and is shaky. There are about 13 benches placed for the people to sit on which can accommodate about 65 patients.

This places the floor planks under enormous pressure and they may collapse. The rusted corrugated iron roofing is not nailed to the wooden rafters but simply held down with pieces of wood placed over it to provide weight.

I believe that it is an offence to build any structure whether it is permanent or temporary within the municipal jurisdiction without a permit and must comply with the National Building Code of Fiji and the Nasinu Town Planning requirements. We are in the middle of the cyclone season and the authorities have created a hazard that can cause injuries or fatality should the shoddy structure collapse.

It is estimated that more than 900 people visit the Valelevu Health Centre daily and the exposure level of the risk is huge.

Before any accidents occur this gross negligence must be eliminated and I do hope that the good minister will intervene for the safety of the general public.