Damodar Group CEO Div Damodar confirms that the National Fire Authority has been offered by Damodar Yatulau Pte Limited to remain on their property at the Arts Village until July 2026.
This follows concerns raised by NFA CEO Puamau Sowane where he said they were told to vacate the fire station.
While responding to questions by fijivillage News through a press release, Damodar says Damodar Yatulau Pte Limited met with the NFA CEO in early 2024 to discuss their redevelopment plans for the Arts Village precinct in Pacific Harbour.
He says these plans include the refurbishment and revitalisation of buildings surrounding the current fire station premises and the adjacent Tiki Pool Restaurant and Bar.
Damodar says the overall vision is to transform the Arts Village into a modern cultural and commercial hub while retaining its unique heritage.
The Group CEO says while the company recognises the critical importance of fire services to the community, the current location of the fire station within this private property has increasingly posed operational and safety concerns.
He says the growing public presence and foot traffic from customers visiting the Arts Village and its facilities make emergency access by NFA vehicles and personnel more challenging.
Damodar says during the meeting, the NFA CEO acknowledged that the fire station’s current premises was initially allocated in the 1970s as a goodwill arrangement, with no formal lease in place and no rental payments made to date.
Damodar says the NFA CEO also confirmed that the NFA owns a vacant lot in the nearby Mokosoi subdivision and would plan to relocate its Pacific Harbour operations there when redevelopment works at Arts Village drew near.
He says in November 2024, the company formally informed the NFA that redevelopment works would soon progress to the area surrounding the fire station and requested an update on the relocation timeline.
Damodar says in February 2025, NFA opened a new, state-of-the-art fire station in Navua, approximately 12 kilometres from Pacific Harbour.
He says following a follow-up in late June 2025, the NFA advised the company that due to financial constraints, it would not be able to construct a new fire station at Mokosoi Subdivision at this time and would instead cease operations at Pacific Harbour, relocating all equipment and personnel to the Navua station.
Damodar clarifies that they did not request the NFA to vacate immediately. He says in recognition of the essential service provided and the need for proper consultation, they have offered to extend the existing goodwill arrangement, allowing the NFA to remain at the current location until July 2026.
Meanwhile, Damodar adds redevelopment works at the Arts Village are nearing completion.
He says the company looks forward to announcing the launch of its revitalised traditional performance shows and new tenant offerings in the coming months, which aim to bring renewed life and cultural vibrancy to Pacific Harbour.
Damodar adds the company remains committed to working cooperatively with stakeholders, including the NFA, to ensure the continued safety and wellbeing of the local community as the Arts Village enters an exciting new chapter.
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