Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has urged the Premier of the People’s Republic of China Li Keqiang to assist in the Public Rental Board housing project in Raiwai which is currently on hold.
During his meeting with the Chinese Premier in Beijing late last night, Commodore Bainimarama said he wants to discuss projects of interest and highlighted the housing project which was contracted to the China Railway Company Number 1 at a cost of $9 million.
But Commodore Bainimarama said the project is now on hold due to cost overruns to the tune of $20 million.
The Prime Minister has urged the Chinese Premier for his kind consideration to settle the balance or convert the total amount into a grant to Fiji.
Commodore Bainimarama said this would ensure the completion of the project and guarantee access to affordable housing for Fijians in the lower-income bracket.
The Prime Minister also requested for positive feedback on the proposed $14 million Legalega mushroom project earmarked for the Western Division.
Commodore Bainimarama highlighted that in the commercial sector, an enabling environment has been provided to encourage Chinese businesspeople to invest in Fiji.
He said this has seen a positive growth over the years and has considerably contributed to the Fijian economy.
The Prime Minister said while this has been a welcoming prospect, the government and the people of Fiji would like to see that all relevant laws and policies are complied with by current and potential investors.
Commodore Bainimarama told the Chinese Premier that the Fijian government looks forward to China’s continued support for Fiji’s process towards democratic elections next year.
The Prime Minister also said that the government looks forward to China’s continued commitment towards the completion of projects like the new Navua hospital, the Somosomo Mini Hydro power station, the Vanua Levu Rice Industry Development Project and six rural sports complexes.
Commodore Bainimarama urged Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang to hasten the process relating to the sports complexes as three sites have been identified.
The sites are in Rakiraki, Vunidawa and Seaqaqa.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
