19 schools have been partially damaged in the wake of Cyclone Gita, Josie and Keni.

This has been highlighted by the Acting Prime Minister and Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum while responding to a question by Fiji First parliamentarian, Alvick Maharaj on the number of schools that have been damaged by the recent natural disaster.

Sayed-Khaiyum adds that 9 schools were affected by the flood and landslides in the Western Division, 2 of the schools were affected by landslides and 7 schools by flooding.

He also highlighted that 10 schools in the Eastern Division suffered structural damage.

The Acting Prime Minister says the schools that sustained serious structural damage have had substantial reconstruction or have been demolished with new structures to be built in.

Sayed-Khaiyum says that staff quarters were damaged in Nakini Kindergarten, Nausori and in Nalaba District School in Ra. 

Opposition MP, Niko Naiwaikula in a supplementary question asked about the resilience and safety of the buildings being built especially after the damage sustained by the building at Saint John’s College.

In his response, the Acting Prime Minister highlighted that the school was built by the U.S Navy.

He adds that some schools were built through international efforts, for instance, the Indonesian government worked to help rebuild QVS and the U.S Navy rebuilt Saint John’s College.

Sayed-Khaiyum then made the assurance that those buildings being built by the government, have been built to the standards that are cyclone proof and safe.