Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
04/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/25/2024 22:55
MINISTER FOR HOUSING & LOCAL GOVERNMENT HON. MACIU NALUMISA’S REMARKS AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE...
Na - Kalevu, Na Tui Nadroga Navosa Province
His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of China
Chair Special Administrators for Sigatoka Town Council
Permanent Secretary for Local Government
Director Local Government
Acting Chief Executive Officer for Sigatoka Town Council
Media Representatives
Invited Distinguished
Ladies and Gentlemen
Cola Vinaka and a very good morning to you all.
It is with great pleasure and excitement that I join you this morning, in Sigaroka, to inaugurate the new outdoor amphitheatre. This momentous occasion marksnot just the unveiling of a physical structure, but a celebration of community, culture, and the spirit that binds us together.
Our small municipality may not boast the grandeur of larger cities, but what we lack in size, we more than make up for in heart and unity. Today, as we gather to witness the opening of this outdoor space, we are witnessing the embodiment of our collective dreams and aspirations.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I want to acknowledge the contribution of $90,000, by the People's Republic of China, in which $37,000 was utilise for the Construction of the Sigatoka Riverside Amphitheatre. The balance of $53,000 the grant will be used in the re-sealing of the tramline car park.
In addition to the funding the Government of China provided solar lights of which 5 have been used for this project. The Amphitheatre will accommodate a total of350 seats in any event. The completion of this project will assist the Council with a new revenue stream.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This amphitheatre will be the stage upon which our communities' stories will unfold, laughter echoes, and where community's rhythm revolves around shared experiences.
It's a place where families will create lasting memories, where artists will showcase their talents, and where the magic of live performances will bring joy to our lives.
In building this amphitheatre, we have created a space for cultural exchange,fostering creativity, and for strengthening the bonds that make us a tight-knit community. This venue is a testament to our commitment to the arts, to nurturinglocal talent, and to providing a platform for self-expression.
This is a boost to Sigatoka in its efforts to rebuild it image as a tourist town.There will be a new source of entertainment for our visitors in town, which will also provide them insights of our culture and journey as a nation.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
To delve into greater detail, the Sigatoka Town Council has several challenges, including low revenue base that impedes development and hinders the council from upgrading the town. Another major challenge is the high employee turnover, as people looking for better opportunities, this is attributed to limited revenue, which constraints expenditure of the Council. In addition, there are traffic andparking issues faced by in the town. The Council is working with the Fiji Roads Authority to find solutions for the traffic congestion, whilst providing additional car parking space in Sigatoka Town.
One such project is the resealing of the tramline car park, which is again supported by the Government of China.
Moving forward, the Council's plans to improve Sigatoka Town, include the acquisition of land for Capital Development and Recreational facilities, Riverbank Amphitheatre (is one completed project), Parks, coffee shops, handicraft centres and public conveniences along the riverbank. This development shall provide space for leisure and entertainment that will enable the council to deliver andcreate more services and businesses that will boost the economic return for the Town and will also encourage more investors to Sigatoka Town.
To create a better, smarter, and cleaner town, efficient waste managementsystems and infrastructure improvements must be implemented in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. We must combat climate change and urge people to rely more on renewable energy.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Just 53km from Sigatoka town, the Ministry is developing the Keiyasi Town Centre. The vision is to diversify trade and bring services and economic opportunities closer to the people. We will develop 27 commercial lots, 4 open space reserve sites, 1 service station site, and 4 industrial and general industriallots, 2 lots for NFA and Barracks, 1 site for New Market and Bus Stand and 1 Site for a new civic centre.
The Coalition Government is investing approximately $11.5 million in planningand construction to ensure that the project will have sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including roads, footpaths, water supply, stormwater managementand electricity.
Therefore, the current burden faced the people in valley road needing to spend time, effort and money to get access to services will become a thing of the past as the project will bring this to their doorsteps.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we embark on this exciting new chapter, let us not forget the responsibility we bear as custodians of this cultural hub. Let us use this amphitheatre to foster inclusivity, encourage diversity, and inspire creativity. It is my sincere hope thatthis space will be a catalyst for positive change, a place where ideas flourish, and where the arts continue to thrive.
In closing, I invite every one of you to embrace this amphitheatre as your own.May it be a canvas for shared experiences, a stage for the unfolding chapters of our lives, and a beacon of culture and community.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to making this project a reality-our dedicated municipal workers who built this, and the countless community members who supported and believed in the vision of this amphitheater.
Your hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm have transformed a vision into a tangible space that will serve as a source of pride for generations to come. A special acknowledgment to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China for your continued support.
With these words, I now have much pleasure to officially open this Sigatoka Riverbank Amphitheatre facility.
Thank you, Xiexie, and Nakwa Vakalevu. God Bless Fiji.
His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of China
Chair Special Administrators for Sigatoka Town Council
Permanent Secretary for Local Government
Director Local Government
Acting Chief Executive Officer for Sigatoka Town Council
Media Representatives
Invited Distinguished
Ladies and Gentlemen
Cola Vinaka and a very good morning to you all.
It is with great pleasure and excitement that I join you this morning, in Sigaroka, to inaugurate the new outdoor amphitheatre. This momentous occasion marksnot just the unveiling of a physical structure, but a celebration of community, culture, and the spirit that binds us together.
Our small municipality may not boast the grandeur of larger cities, but what we lack in size, we more than make up for in heart and unity. Today, as we gather to witness the opening of this outdoor space, we are witnessing the embodiment of our collective dreams and aspirations.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I want to acknowledge the contribution of $90,000, by the People's Republic of China, in which $37,000 was utilise for the Construction of the Sigatoka Riverside Amphitheatre. The balance of $53,000 the grant will be used in the re-sealing of the tramline car park.
In addition to the funding the Government of China provided solar lights of which 5 have been used for this project. The Amphitheatre will accommodate a total of350 seats in any event. The completion of this project will assist the Council with a new revenue stream.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This amphitheatre will be the stage upon which our communities' stories will unfold, laughter echoes, and where community's rhythm revolves around shared experiences.
It's a place where families will create lasting memories, where artists will showcase their talents, and where the magic of live performances will bring joy to our lives.
In building this amphitheatre, we have created a space for cultural exchange,fostering creativity, and for strengthening the bonds that make us a tight-knit community. This venue is a testament to our commitment to the arts, to nurturinglocal talent, and to providing a platform for self-expression.
This is a boost to Sigatoka in its efforts to rebuild it image as a tourist town.There will be a new source of entertainment for our visitors in town, which will also provide them insights of our culture and journey as a nation.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
To delve into greater detail, the Sigatoka Town Council has several challenges, including low revenue base that impedes development and hinders the council from upgrading the town. Another major challenge is the high employee turnover, as people looking for better opportunities, this is attributed to limited revenue, which constraints expenditure of the Council. In addition, there are traffic andparking issues faced by in the town. The Council is working with the Fiji Roads Authority to find solutions for the traffic congestion, whilst providing additional car parking space in Sigatoka Town.
One such project is the resealing of the tramline car park, which is again supported by the Government of China.
Moving forward, the Council's plans to improve Sigatoka Town, include the acquisition of land for Capital Development and Recreational facilities, Riverbank Amphitheatre (is one completed project), Parks, coffee shops, handicraft centres and public conveniences along the riverbank. This development shall provide space for leisure and entertainment that will enable the council to deliver andcreate more services and businesses that will boost the economic return for the Town and will also encourage more investors to Sigatoka Town.
To create a better, smarter, and cleaner town, efficient waste managementsystems and infrastructure improvements must be implemented in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. We must combat climate change and urge people to rely more on renewable energy.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Just 53km from Sigatoka town, the Ministry is developing the Keiyasi Town Centre. The vision is to diversify trade and bring services and economic opportunities closer to the people. We will develop 27 commercial lots, 4 open space reserve sites, 1 service station site, and 4 industrial and general industriallots, 2 lots for NFA and Barracks, 1 site for New Market and Bus Stand and 1 Site for a new civic centre.
The Coalition Government is investing approximately $11.5 million in planningand construction to ensure that the project will have sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including roads, footpaths, water supply, stormwater managementand electricity.
Therefore, the current burden faced the people in valley road needing to spend time, effort and money to get access to services will become a thing of the past as the project will bring this to their doorsteps.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we embark on this exciting new chapter, let us not forget the responsibility we bear as custodians of this cultural hub. Let us use this amphitheatre to foster inclusivity, encourage diversity, and inspire creativity. It is my sincere hope thatthis space will be a catalyst for positive change, a place where ideas flourish, and where the arts continue to thrive.
In closing, I invite every one of you to embrace this amphitheatre as your own.May it be a canvas for shared experiences, a stage for the unfolding chapters of our lives, and a beacon of culture and community.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to making this project a reality-our dedicated municipal workers who built this, and the countless community members who supported and believed in the vision of this amphitheater.
Your hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm have transformed a vision into a tangible space that will serve as a source of pride for generations to come. A special acknowledgment to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China for your continued support.
With these words, I now have much pleasure to officially open this Sigatoka Riverbank Amphitheatre facility.
Thank you, Xiexie, and Nakwa Vakalevu. God Bless Fiji.