The Lautoka City Council is moving forward with plans to hire a new contractor to finalize the long-delayed public swimming pool project by March next year. According to Council CEO Mohammed Khan, the council has received $5.5 million out of the $12.6 million allocated by the government for the project and has contributed an additional $1,461,399.95 from its own resources to keep it progressing.
Khan reported that as of the end of 2019, nearly 50 percent of the budget had already been spent, and he confirmed that all expenditures from 2017 to 2019 underwent a thorough audit. The project’s setbacks can be traced back to the previous contractor abandoning the site in September 2019, despite having an obligation to continue work.
Currently, the project is in the re-design phase, with a new project manager on board. Work has begun on redesigning civil works, electrical systems, and hydraulic aspects to ensure the project meets necessary standards. Khan noted that government-funded initiatives like this typically release payments based on confirmed progress rather than upfront, which may account for some of the delays experienced.
Concerns regarding financial management were highlighted by former council horticulturalist Shri Charan, who voiced issues about potential mismanagement and delays in government funding. Despite the frustrations from residents about the lengthy delays, there remains hope that the new management team and enhanced governance practices will lead to successful project completion.
Once completed, the swimming pool is expected to serve as a significant recreational asset for the community, potentially boosting local businesses by attracting events and activities. The efforts to complete this facility reflect a broader ambition to improve Lautoka’s public infrastructure and enhance the community’s quality of life.
The council’s commitment to finalizing contractual agreements and refining management practices is a promising sign of optimistic governance and improved project delivery in the future.
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