$1.9 million has been allocated in the 2025/2026 National Budget for the completion of the long-awaited Lautoka Swimming Pool.
The project was initially approved in 2017, with construction starting in 2018.
However, delays and issues with contractors led to the termination of the initial contract in 2020.
While speaking in response to the budget in Parliament, Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa says that under the previous government, poor oversight delayed these much-needed facilities which disappointed the people of Lautoka.
He says they are completing the projects, restoring public trust, and creating vibrant community spaces for health, recreation, and youth engagement.
The Minister also highlighted that the Ba Stadium or Govind Park is nearing completion of phase two, and is expected to open before the beginning of the new financial year.
He adds that Ba will be able to host day matches, and there are already talks to host the IDC Soccer tournament this year as well as talks with the Drua CEO for trial games to happen at the Govind Park in Ba.
Nalumisa says this budget is a people’s budget of purpose, of planning, and of principled investment.
He says it is about safeguarding our nation today while building the foundations of a stronger Fiji tomorrow.
The Minister says in the current financial year, the Ministry proudly delivered three new municipal markets—in Nakasi, Levuka, and Savusavu.
He says these markets support women, persons with disabilities, farmers, and small business owners who are the everyday heroes of our informal economy.
Nalumisa says they welcome the $335,500 allocated for upgrades to Rakiraki Market, including a new MSME floor to boost economic participation and innovation at the local level.
He adds that $4.8 million has been allocated for the development of new towns in Nabouwalu, Keiyasi, and Seaqaqa, with civil works already underway and further planning support set to expand into other rural growth centres.
The Minister says the Nabouwalu Passenger Terminal Services Building is nearing completion and is scheduled for commissioning in the coming weeks.
