The Australian government and Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd (FPCL) have announced their collaborative interest in the future of the Lautoka foreshore area.
Through the Australia Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, the Australian government is providing a grant of up to $A380,000 ($F558,542) to FPCL for a high-level feasibility study on the redevelopment of the Lautoka foreshore that is within the port boundary.
A grant agreement has been signed between the Australian government and Fiji Ports to facilitate the involvement of international technical expertise in proposing development options for the area.
With significant growth in the volume of cargo and passengers arriving to and departing Fiji’s shores, the redevelopment plan and assessment will assist in managing future capacity constraints, providing support to Fiji’s economic growth and the jobs that come with it.
Fiji Ports CEO Vajira Piyasena said, “Ports are critical to Fiji’s economic and infrastructure growth, and we thank Australia for supporting this critical first step in redeveloping the Lautoka foreshore.”
Australia’s High Commissioner to Fiji Ewen McDonald said, “The agreement signed today will enable Fiji Ports to plan for the future of the Lautoka foreshore and to create jobs and boost the economy, particularly of Fiji’s Western Division.”
The Australian government will also be financing maintenance and upgrades to Nadi’s international airport and several outer island runways alongside ANZ Fiji, and rehabilitating nine bridges with Fiji Roads Authority.
