Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Local Government and Community Development, Premila Kumar has brushed aside claims of mismanagement of funds regarding the Lautoka Aquatic Swimming Pool project.

However, she said her team was working round the clock to complete the project for the benefit of the Lautoka residents and those residing in the Western Division.

“I cannot confirm if there was mismanagement of funds and I can assure you that nothing has come to me yet,” Mrs Kumar said.

She said the project progressed slowly because there were some issues.

What the issues are is unclear.

“The Lautoka Aquatic Centre is progressing a little slow, there are some issues with that project but we have got the team working on it,” Ms Kumar said.

“We are trying our level best to finish our project this year.”

Asked if the mismanagement of funds was a reason the project progressed slowly, she said she could not confirm.

The $12.6 million Aquatic Swimming Pool will be located at the Lautoka Botanical Gardens.

Edited by Ivamere Nataro

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