Work on Fiji’s first Caravan Park gets underway at the Wailoaloa waterfront in Nadi.

Coconut Campers (Fiji) Limited Owner Abdul Aziz said the $2 million project and would be ready by the end of the year.

He said he had been lobbying for it since he bought the land four years ago.

Mr Aziz said work had begun on lot one. Work on lot two will begin next year.

Mr Aziz, 66, said there were plans for a caravan park, cabins and camping site.

“Fiji does not have a caravan park as yet and this is something new for the Fiji’s tourism,” he said.

“The caravan will be more of a permanent site, where tourists would be staying.

He added the features would be a top steak house and seafood restaurant, swimming pool, pool bar, divers’ shop, handicraft shop, vegetable garden and children’s park in the corner.

“The fee will be through the booking of the cabins for accommodation and the backpackers who love to move around in setting up their camps.”

Market

Mr Aziz said a niche market had been identified. He had brought the idea from Australia where he used to go out camping in caravan parks.

“It is a huge market out there for the Australian, New Zealand, American, and European people who all know about caravan parks,” he said.

Reason for Investment

He said under the Bainimarama Government, Fiji looked better than before in terms of investment opportunity.

“Fiji is a new place now and it is very open to investment, and secondly I came back home,” he said.

“If things carry on like this, then it will be better than Hawaii. A lot of my friends are coming back too.”

Environment and Security

He said that in the coming weeks, there would be an elevation of the land few feet high.

“We have to play it safe and ensure there is no damage done to the environment since it is coastal and we have not pushed any trees from here.

“We will also have top security so everyone is safe, which is my top priority,” he said.

In the beginning he would have 10 staff for the construction. It would later increase to 35, depending on business growth.

His background

Mr Aziz, originally from Vatulaulau in Ba, attended Xavier College.

He worked for the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji as a technician for 18 years.

He moved to Australia 28 years ago with his family.

On his return he opened the Double A Spares (Fiji) Limited at the main street, in Nadi Town.

He is also the Director for Aussie Roots and Leaves Pty Limited based in Queensland, Australia. The company is an amusement and recreation company in Beachmere.

EDITED BY: nemani.delaibatiki

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