Two valuable properties on the downtown Suva waterfront could soon be developed amidst growing investment confidence.

Suva City Council Special Administrator Chandu Umaria told yesterday how:

–   A high-class restaurant is being considered for the top of the council’s Suva Handicraft Centre carpark, looking out on to the harbour and the city.

–  A hotel could be developed on the council’s nearby foreshore carpark next to the Civic Centre, a prime harbourside position.

Mr Umaria revealed this whilst talking about positive developments in the city at the groundbreaking for a hotel being built by Labasa businessman Paul Jaduram (see report page 10).

Interest shown

Mr Umaria said: “We already have interest for a five star restaurant on the top floor of the car park with a lift going up to it.

“Investments are also underway at the council’s waterfront carpark for a multi-million dollar hotel, to be built there.

“Since election is over and the new democratically elected government in place, investors will now have confidence to come into Suva and Fiji for their investments.”

He said Suva is going through changes for the better especially with the upgrading and refurbishment of some amenities of the council in and around the capital.

“This year from January to date, we have approved 27 new residences for construction and one new commercial building.

“Also, we have 393 businesses in progress and 94 businesses are in the pipeline to commence soon.

“Therefore Suva City has seen and will be seeing 487 businesses in operation.”

Fast-tracking processes

Mr Umaria has therefore assured any new business and building applications will be processed within 14 days, subject to all requirements being met and given with the application.

“We have a number of projects going, some have been completed while others are either in progress or yet to be completed,” he said.

“Even there are new ones already in the pipeline and coming up in a few months time.”

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