A building on the Labasa Campus of Fiji National University has been declared unsafe following evaluations by certified architects and engineers. Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba announced that, out of an abundance of caution, the structure has been cordoned off, making it unavailable for use.
The projected cost for demolishing the unsafe building is approximately $3 million; however, the university has opted not to proceed with demolition at this moment. Instead, resources are being allocated towards the construction of new classroom facilities. Presently, the largest class at the Labasa campus accommodates about 60 students, and the new classrooms will ensure a more comfortable and conducive learning environment.
Professor Nabobo-Baba shared that three classrooms have already been successfully completed, with plans to have a total of six ready before the beginning of the next semester. The old building has been designated as red zones in some areas, meaning they are unsafe and restricted.
Looking to the future, Professor Nabobo-Baba conveyed an optimistic vision that, with sufficient funding and expert consultation, the old building could eventually be rehabilitated for beneficial purposes, such as hosting cultural and arts exhibitions or serving as a library. She underscored the university’s unwavering commitment to fostering safe and modern educational spaces for students in Labasa, which demonstrates a proactive approach to enhancing educational infrastructure, even amid the difficulties posed by the current situation.