A total of 1,275 jobs were created during the construction of the Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre in Lami
The centre, which was built over two years, is the result of a significant $123 milliom investment by the Australian Government.
It also saw over 1,400 contracts signed with Fijian partners throughout its construction phase.
While speaking at the opening, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka thanked the Australian Government for its investment and ongoing support.
Rabuka says it is a great input into Fiji’s GDP and the social wellbeing of the people.
He says the initiative reflects the strength of the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership and highlights how closely linked the security of both nations is.
Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles hailed the project as an incredible achievement, not only for its scale and speed of delivery, but also for the capability it brings to Fiji and the broader Pacific region.
Marles says the Vuvale Maritime Centre now brings together multiple Fijian agencies under one roof, including the Fiji Navy, Fiji Police, Fiji Customs, Fiji Fisheries, the Search and Rescue Coordination Centre, and the Hydrographic Office.
He says the facility enables real-time coordination between agencies, enhancing Fiji’s ability to protect its maritime domain, tackle illegal activities, and respond swiftly to emergencies.
