The construction of a multimillion-dollar swimming pool in Lautoka continues to face delays, as residents will have to wait longer for its completion. As confirmed by the Lautoka City Council, the ongoing project has been in limbo for more than six years, with the rescoping of the existing pool still unfinished.
The facility was originally budgeted at $4.5 million, with an additional $1.5 million added to address increasing costs. Although work began in 2018, the project’s progress stalled after the termination of the initial contractor in 2020.
Lautoka City Council Chief Executive Mohammed Anees Khan indicated that a new contractor has not yet been confirmed, with the project manager still finalizing the necessary plans. “Once the project manager, with the help of his designers, completes the re-scoping of the project, tender packages will be prepared and advertised for bidding,” Khan stated. This includes separate tenders for civil construction and for the procurement of filtration equipment, which is expected to attract international bidders.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, stressed the need for efficiency in managing government-funded initiatives. Meanwhile, the Minister for Local Government expressed his confidence that the swimming pool project would reach completion by March next year.
The project is seen not only as a recreational facility but also as a potential venue for international swimming competitions. The flexibility for future upgrades to meet international standards is crucial, should local demand arise. Similar sentiments were echoed in previous articles reporting that the city could procure equipment from the Fiji Sports Council and even consider renting from facilities in Australia and New Zealand.
In light of recent developments, there is cautious optimism about progress on this project, along with other initiatives aimed at improving community infrastructure in Lautoka, such as the renovation of the bus stand. These efforts reflect a commitment to enhancing local amenities and fostering greater community engagement through modern recreational facilities.
Overall, while the delays have understandably frustrated residents, there is hope that the upcoming months will yield significant advancements, ultimately benefiting the community with improved recreational options and encouraging healthier lifestyles.
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