A primary school in the district of Nagonenicolo in the interior of Naitasiri was commissioned yesterday (24/06/22) by the Minister for Infrastructure and Meteorological Services, Jone Usamate.
Nakaidra Primary School in Nasalia Village was established as an infant school in 2015 and now boasts a new concrete school block which was funded by the Government of Japan.
In his remarks, Minister Usamate said the new school was the result of a partnership that saw the Fijian Government prepare the new site for the school blocks and the new teacher’s quarters and the provision of a boat and engine for students travelling by boat on the Wainimala river from outlying villages and settlements which cost Government $47,000.00 while the Government of Japan funded the construction of the new school block at a cost close to $215,000.00.
“Assistance for your school did not stop there as this year UNICEF stepped in to fund the school’s new ablution block, which is currently under construction, committing $80,000.00 to the project,” the Minister said.
Also commissioned during the event was the Nasalia village rural electrification project, which cost the Government $10,000.00.
“As you know, your Government is committed to the education of our children, the future of Fiji and your new school will ensure a brighter future for Nasalia, and this will be complemented by your connection to the national electricity grid, which will bring about positive changes to your village.”
“Government is working towards its goal to have all Fijians access to electricity by 2030, and your connection to the national grid has brought us a step closer to achieving that goal,” Minister Usamate further said.
“Electricity will also enable the 38 children enrolled in your school to study better at night under the brightness of electric lamps, the establishment of new businesses, use of electrical appliances, and connection to the outside world when a mobile data connection is made available.”
“For your Tikina Nagonenicolo, the Government constructed a new road connecting Nawaisomo Village to the existing road at Nakorosule, and this cost $6.9 million; as we speak, a new road is being constructed from Nukulau in Ra to connect the village of Roma in the district of Nabobuco and at the same time continuing with the completion of the Nawaisomo to Nakida road.”
“The electrification project from Nakorosule to Nawaibalavu is also completed, and the Government spent $338,000.00, and your Government has plans in place to extend the electricity grid to Nawaisomo and Nakida Village.”
Minister Usamate further assured Nasalia villagers that all the developments in their province and especially their Tikina Nagonenicolo, are part of the Fijian Government’s commitment to ensure that no one is left behind in the progress of our nation.
The Minister also acknowledged the works of Rotary Pacific Water for Life which assisted the school with its water supply and reticulation system.