Denarau Island is a shadow of what it used to be, The People’s Alliance party leader Sitiveni Rabuka said.

While speaking to supporters in Nadi last weekend, Mr Rabuka said his government was responsible for the development of Denarau Island which had since lost its potential.

“I presided over a special cabinet meeting that was held in the Sheraton ballroom before the Sheraton was open to consider and approve the legislation now called the Denarau Island Land Exchange Act,” he said.

“It meant that land located in the iTaukei owned islands, could be reconstituted as prime hotel sites. Freehold lands became residential areas. He said Denarau had problems because of the poor performance of the current Government.

“My information came from someone who recently had a senior position in the managing of the affairs of the resort.

“There is still land available on Denarau island suitable for new commercial projects creating more jobs and wealth but nothing can happen because Energy Fiji Limited and Water Authority of Fiji are unable to present and offer and supply the added requirements.

“There is damage to the beaches, flooding from the waterways; the roads near Denarau are flooded almost every week cutting off traffic from Nadi.

“I promise you that a government that I lead will give special attention in dealing with this problem so that we can play a larger role in Fiji’s economic growth.”