The recently upgraded Ratu Sukuna Park in Suva has been completed at a cost of approximately $7 million. Jeremiah Volavola, chair of the park’s organizing committee, announced during the park’s opening that the expenses surpassed the initial budget of $6 million due to the inclusion of additional features.
Originally, the plan included a double-storey restaurant and other catering facilities that would have raised the total cost to $13 million. However, these features were ultimately excluded from the final project due to budget limitations.
Volavola emphasized that the design of the park aimed to be inclusive, providing a welcoming space for families and individuals to enjoy. He noted that the project was fully funded by the Suva City Council, which necessitated working with the available funds to keep costs down to $7 million.
“The public has been eagerly awaiting the park’s opening, and we have received numerous inquiries about it,” he said. “We considered waiting for the hibiscus festival for the grand opening, but we took this opportunity to proceed.”
Despite the modifications to the original plans, Volavola believes the completed park will deliver significant value and enjoyment to the residents of Suva.
The official opening of the park was conducted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade Manoa Kamikamica, who acknowledged its completion and emphasized its role as a symbol of national progress and urban renewal.
“This newly upgraded park now features modern amenities, including a podium structure, innovative night lighting, contemporary park furniture, a digital screen with surround sound, and an aesthetically improved landscape that harmonizes hardscape with greenspace,” he stated.