Dream Comes True for Nadi Couple

Nadi couple Lawrence and Shalini Kumar said it was a dream come true for them when their investment to help their community became a reality.

On Friday they opened the Denarau Supermarket and Liquor at Lot 8 Wailulu Subdivision in Narewa, along Denarau Road. It employs 14 people from the local communities.

Managing director Lawrence Kumar said the investment was about $350,000, and was also supported by his wife Shalini.

“This is another family-owned business, and we are trying to take such goods and services out of town to other locations to create economic opportunities out of town,” Mr Kumar said.

“We need people to save their dollars and direct more to other things.”

Mr Kumar, an engineer and a former Nadi Town Council special administrator chairperson said this was a continuation of their bigger plans.

He reiterated that there were plans to open more shopping centres to assist locals.

“I would always speak about opening a supermarket along Denarau Road to assist villagers of Narewa, Sikituru, Yavusania, Maqalevu, and Navatulevu. Not forgetting the three schools in the vicinity Ratu Navula College, and Nadi District School.”

“We will invest more. As we speak, we are looking at sites elsewhere for medium-standard supermarket.”

Mr Kumar said it was the constant support from his parents, who he said pushed him to achieve his goal. He said the business will be passed on to his only child Alrick Kumar.

Jokaveti Kaboro, who is a cashier said she was lucky to find employment close to where she lived.

“I am content to be given a job at this supermarket, it is not far from home,” she said.

The opening hours are 7am - 9pm (Monday to Saturday), and 7.30am – 6pm (Sundays).

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