Former Fiji National University (FNU) executive Dr. Ganesh Chand has raised concerns about the multi-million-dollar swimming pool project in Lautoka, claiming it disrupted plans for establishing a tertiary medical training institution at the same site. Dr. Chand, who previously served as vice-chancellor at FNU, noted that discussions about the medical facility had taken place for quite some time, culminating in a formal proposal submitted to the government in 2013. Subsequently, the government allocated $2 million in the 2014 budget, far short of the promised $10 million needed to kickstart the project.
Dr. Chand lamented that once he was removed from FNU, funding for the initiative was halted, leading to a waste of potential investment in a necessary medical training facility. He reiterated that eleven years later, the government has spent approximately $17 million on the swimming pool project, which he believes will not serve the community effectively and may become a financial burden on taxpayers.
Critically, he suggested that alternative options for a swimming pool, such as enhancing the existing facility at South Seas Club, could have provided better value with less taxpayer investment. As it stands, construction on the Lautoka swimming pool at the Botanical Gardens has yet to begin, and the local city council has recently appointed a manager to oversee the completion of the project.
In connection with this sentiment, various articles have documented the delays surrounding the swimming pool project, initially budgeted at $4.5 million, which has faced numerous setbacks since its inception in 2018. Although recent management changes and the potential for international competition recognition offer a glimmer of hope, many residents remain frustrated with the lack of progress and accountability in local development initiatives.
In summary, while there are multiple challenges surrounding the Lautoka swimming pool project, Dr. Chand’s comments about the missed opportunity for a medical training facility are noteworthy. As discussions continue regarding the future of the swimming pool, the community expresses cautious optimism that renewed focus on effective governance will pave the way for improved infrastructure and services.
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