THE construction of Momi Bay Resort has resumed, seven years after the collapse of New Zealand financier Bridgecorp halted works on the multi-million dollar project.
Located outside Nadi, the $119million project is expected to considerably boost employment opportunities and its appeal, through the prolific Marriot International hotel brand that will manage the property.
The redevelopment of the Fiji National Provident Fund-owned resort was officially launched by Prime Minister Rear Admiral (Ret) Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday and is expected to offer 114 free-standing bure and 136 standard rooms upon its scheduled completion in 2016.
“The project will generate more than 400 new jobs during the construction phase and another 500 when the resort opens for business,” the PM told the guests.
“When the original New Zealand developer left the scene many suppliers including contractors suffered heavy losses, but it also meant a loss for most Fijians because of the substantial investment in this project of the FNFP, our superannuation fund,” he noted.
Marriot’s Asia Pacific hotel development vice-president James Doolan said they were pleased to finally be able to expand their global franchise to Fiji, and were confident of grabbing a portion of the market via its standing within the Asian travel market.
Fletcher Buildings Fiji Ltd has been contracted for construction of the resort.
“The project is a critical part of FNPF’s investment rehabilitation under the current reform program and the fund will ensure that the objective of the project is met and members’ funds invested into this project is fully recovered,” said FNPF CEO Aisake Taito.
