New $2.5m retail development to create 30 jobs in Labasa

A new $2.5 million retail development in Labasa is expected to create about 30 jobs, providing a boost to employment and economic activity in the North.

The project officially got underway yesterday when North Waste Management owner Ritesh Chand held a groundbreaking ceremony at Volovi, Labasa.

The development will house a new retail complex under North Waste Management and is expected to generate employment opportunities once completed.

“$2.5 million is full investment upon completion,” Mr Chand said.

Mr Chand said there were two companies operating under one roof and acknowledged the support of family and friends throughout his business journey.

He also thanked his father, Mul Chand, for his blessings.

“Today we are immensely proud and happy that our hard work and dedication came into fruit,” he said.

Mr Chand extended his gratitude to his wife, Ronita Chand, a teacher at Bulileka Sanatan College in Labasa, and thanked Turaga Ni Mataqali Noa Rakadi for his support.

Mr Rakadi said the mataqali was pleased to see local businesses investing in development projects.

He said the landowning unit also appreciated the fact that traditional protocols had been observed.

Pinto Industries Limited of Labasa has been awarded the general construction contract.

The company has recruited labourers and site security personnel from the village to ensure local communities benefit from the project.

The building was designed by Newal Naidu and is expected to be completed within 15 months.

Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, who attended the ceremony, said the development reflected Labasa's future and commended Mr Chand's dedication and hard work over the past two decades.

Mr Katonivere said development in Labasa was gathering momentum and creating more employment opportunities.

“We are building a future, a future where children and children’s children will carry,” Mr Katonivere said.

He said Labasa had the potential to become the next major economic centre in Fiji.

“We will be the next Viti Levu, the next Suva, just like Suva has a lot of developments likewise that’s the future of Labasa,” he said.

Mr Katonivere added that he hoped to see Labasa attain city status in the future.

“For all members of Vanua Levu, all we need is support and we need unity. We are not building for ourselves, we are building for the future, for our kids, for our children so that they will have a safe environment,” he said.