One hundred and fifty four government quarters have been renovated in Suva, Nausori, the Northern, Western and Eastern Division since 2009.
The renovation works has been financed from the Public Service Commission (PSC) Trading and Manufacturing Account, which receives the rental payments on quarters from tenants.
Under the mandate of Cabinet’s decision 286/09, the renovation of all government quarters is now the responsibility of the PSC after it was transferred from the Public Works Department. Further, the renovation of the government quarters has been possible under the outsourcing policy.
PSC acting permanent secretary Taito Waqa said for the first six months of 2012, renovations works focused on teachers’ quarters in government schools.
“Four quarters have been renovated at Suva Grammar School, 11 quarters at QVS and five at RKS. The total cost of renovation for the 20 quarters amounted to $344,000,” Mr Waqa said.
“Further, five quarters in Levuka are under renovation and this will be completed before the end of this month while another five quarters in Sigatoka are also getting a facelift. Government quarters will continue to be upgraded throughout the year with plans in place for work to be done at both Adi Cakobau School and Nasinu Secondary School.”
The renovation of government quarters progressed well with the adoption of a more efficient and systematic process in the management and maintenance of government quarters.
“Positive feedback received from tenants has certainly boosted the morale of public servants occupying these quarters and it portrays positive public service delivery,” he said.
In the Northern Division, a total of 36 quarters are earmarked for renovations with nine identified in Savusavu, 13 at Vaturekuka in Labasa and 14 quarters in Nabouwalu. The total cost for the renovation of these 36 quarters is $905,000.
Government quarters in the smaller districts will also be undergoing repair works later this year and in early 2013.