More than 1,000 devotees who attend the annual pooja at Lautoka's Rifle Range Mariamman Temple will benefit from improved facilities following the completion of a $14,875 renovation project.
The project involved upgrading the temple's ageing washroom facilities, including addressing issues with a leaking roof, and was funded through the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs' Multi-Ethnic Community Development Grant Programme.
Established in 1938, the temple has served generations of devotees, but its ageing facilities had become a challenge, particularly during rainy weather and major religious gatherings.
Temple committee member Ranga Goundar says the old washroom facilities were unable to cater for the large number of devotees, while the leaking roof made them difficult to use during rainy weather.
Goundar says the improvements will provide much-needed relief, especially during the temple's annual five-day pooja, which attracts more than 1,000 people each day.
He says the grant is more than just financial assistance, as it also contributes to preserving the temple's culture and traditions that bring communities together.
He says the grant is the first of its kind received by the temple and will provide lasting benefits to the community.
While commissioning the project, Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Charan Jeath Singh says the improvements will provide greater comfort, convenience and hygiene for devotees and visitors.
Singh says that although the project is modest in financial value, it delivers practical and lasting benefits to those who use the facilities.
He says places of worship such as the Rifle Range Mariamman Temple are more than physical structures, as they serve as important centres of faith, cultural identity and community interaction.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to supporting community-based organisations through projects that improve essential facilities, preserve cultural and religious heritage, and strengthen social cohesion.
