School Structures Now Safer: A-G
Most schools that were damaged by Tropical Cyclone Winston were not structurally sound.
The buildings were not certified by engineers and architects
And, Attorney-General and Minister for Education Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said that this problem was now being rectified.
Speaking to the school management, teachers and students of Ratu Vilimoni Vukinamualevu Primary School in Sorokoba, where he opened a new block of classrooms, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said building properly certified and strong structures was priority for the Government.
“It was shocking to find that most of the schools that were damaged had not been certified in the first place,” he said.
“This is why the ones that are being rebuilt and opened now have been built to withstand cyclones and are passed and certified by the relevant authorities.
“The education of the child is important therefore providing all the support we can so that education is of utmost priority to the Government.”
Yesterday, Ana Ratulevu, a grandparent said it was a joy to see her granddaughter’s school being thought of and cared for by the Government.
“Peopl e want to criticise this Government, but when they need something or help, this Government has not held back from helping them,” she said.
“I am so grateful that the Minister of Education has provided the other needs that our school has this morning.”