Eleven months after the project was officially unveiled, groundwork on the refurbishment and upgrade of Ratu Sukuna Park started this week.

Minister for Local Government Premila Kumar said the start was hampered by further restriction brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms. Kumar said she had faith in the Suva City Council being able to complete the project.

She said this was a project much awaited by many Suva residents. The Park which forms the heart of the city has stood the test of time.

In November 2020, when the plans were unveiled it was announced that the electronic charging docks for mobile devices will be one of the features at Ratu Sukuna Park after its $1.5 million redevelopment is completed.

The project will also see modern buildings replacing the current ones in the park.

Ms. Kumar back then said the trees in Ratu Sukuna Park would not be harmed. She said this would still be the case. She said as a city grows, it shifts, it adapts to economic forces that shape retailing, land use and transportation.

She said this was the reason the Suva Cities Urban Regeneration programme was instituted, to create a city of the future—a city where people can work and enjoy life in comfort.

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