Tui Cakau Offers Land for Savusavu Airport

Cakaudrove paramount chief, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, has offered a piece of land at Vunilagi in Savusavu for the construction of an airport.

Ratu Naiqama revealed this in Taveuni during the Cakaudrove Provincial Council Meeting last Friday.

This land would allow for a bigger and wider airport compared to the existing facility.

This would mean bigger aeroplanes, more tourists, and and a boom in economic activities in Savusavu.

“This place is about 20 minutes’ drive from Savusavu Town, close to resorts and hotels,” Ratu Naiqama said.

“We are ready to give a piece of land. I encourage the relevant parties involved to please come and make proposals.”

Part of the World Bank grant of $441.71 million is dedicated to airport upgrades, the meeting heard.

Special Administrator Savusavu Shankar Singh confirmed meeting Ratu Naiqama about the proposed land.

Mr Singh asserts that while official talks with the World Bank were on January 24th, it was unclear whether the funds provided would also cater for a new airport to be constructed.

“The land has been offered, and I believe we’re just waiting on what’s the next course for a new airport,” he said.

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