AOG Church breaks ground on $17.9m Suva headquarters

The Assemblies of God Fiji will build a $17.9 million seven-storey headquarters in Suva, funded by its members in Fiji and the Fijian diaspora overseas.

The major development, more than 30 years in the making, is expected to be completed within 15 months.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at Robertson Road, Suva, on Friday, marking the start of the project.

Assemblies of God Fiji General Secretary Reverend Filikesa Koroivueta said the church was financing the project through its members, without support from external donors.

“The cost of the project is $17.9 million. We are just raising it within our members, in that fund,” he said.

Reverend Koroivueta said there were currently no external donors supporting the project, with the church carrying the financial responsibility through its members.

He said the development would give the church a major facility of its own and establish a new landmark in the capital.

“First of all, it will be a landmark in the city of Suva. Secondly, we do take pride that at least we have a big facility of our own,” he said.

Project Manager and Senior Civil and Structural Engineer for Engineered Designs Pte Ltd, Sanjay Prasad, said the building would provide about 3,300 square metres of office and accommodation space for the Assemblies of God Fiji.

The seven-level structure will be constructed using structural steel, concrete floors, glass façades and masonry.

“This project began in 2021 and we have come a long way since,” Mr Prasad said.

He also acknowledged the late Principal Engineer Vijay Krishna, who was involved in the early stages of the project, saying his vision and contribution remained part of the foundation of the development.

Reverend Koroivueta said the headquarters project was approved by the church’s General Conference in 2023 after years of planning and consultation.

The original vision was for a two-storey head office, but the plans were later expanded into the seven-storey development.

Construction is expected to begin soon following the groundbreaking and is scheduled for completion within 15 months.

Reverend Koroivueta said the church also planned to develop other properties, including land in Koronivia for commercial purposes and its Bible school facilities.

He said income generated from future commercial developments could help support the church’s ministries and schools.

The new headquarters will serve as the central office and accommodation facility for the Assemblies of God Fiji while supporting its wider ministry and administrative operations.