The construction of the largest American Embassy among the Pacific Island countries, in Fiji, has resulted in an estimated economic impact exceeding 50 million dollars to our economy.
While speaking at the new US Embassy site in Tamavua which is expected to open in 2011, Project Director Tracy Thomas said hundreds of locals were also employed at the project site representing over two dozen local subcontractors and suppliers.
Thomas said they really focused on using local materials and it has benefitted Fiji.
Thomas said working side by side with skilled tradesmen, local workers have had a unique opportunity to learn how construction is performed at international standards.
She said many of the interior and exterior finishes at the new embassy were sourced and or fabricated locally. Some rooms have mahogany and tapa finishing which gives a Pacific touch to the buildings.
Meanwhile US Embassys Regional Public Affairs Officer, Jeffery Robertson said work on the designing of the new embassy started back in 2003. He said they always wanted a Pacific touch and never wanted it to look like a fortress with high brick walls.
Robertson said the new embassy compound represents a major step forward in the United States= ability to represent its interests, and to deliver services and support programs for other US embassies in the increasingly important Pacific region.
It has been confirmed today that the new US embassy in Tamavua will be ready by the end of this year and the embassy staff are expected to move in by early 2011.
Thomas said with such a large project a number of issues, including delays, come into play. However they have managed to find solutions and are expected to complete the project by the end of 2010.
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$50m impact on local economy after new US Embassy construction
