Saukuru calls for investment in a new stadium in the Western division

Minister of Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru has called for investments to build a new stadium in the Western division.

Saukuru was responding to the media when asked about the deplorable condition of the HFC Bank Stadium, where the Fiji Water Flying Fijians played Scotland last Saturday.

The Minister says he is waiting for the response from the Fiji Sports Council on how the ground reached such a state.

Saukuru is also pushing for long-term infrastructure solutions to prevent similar issues in future events.

He adds that there is a lot of public criticism of the poor condition of the HFC Bank Stadium and the state of the ground during the recent international match.

The Minister says it is now under review.

He says the national stadium is currently the only venue approved by World Rugby and FIFA for international matches in Fiji, and as such, it hosts all major events, including matches and training sessions, leading to excessive wear.

Saukuru adds that visiting teams, including Scotland, have been forced to train at the stadium due to issues at alternative venues, like Albert Park, further straining the ground.

He emphasises that while overuse is a reality, it does not excuse poor maintenance, and the Fiji Sports Council is expected to uphold standards regardless of the schedule and the need for new facilities.

Saukuru calls for investment in a new national-standard stadium, particularly in the Western Division, to ease the load on Suva’s National Stadium and support the growing demand for international events.

Saukuru says he has also requested a detailed update from the Fiji Sports Council on why women’s staff were cleaning the stadium overnight.