Twenty-eight years ago, Sigatoka Town Council was looking at ways to turn the Coral Coast centre into a major tourist attraction.
A report published by The Fiji Times on June 2, 1998, detailed plans that were expected to take three years and cost at least $8million.
The initiative was aimed at generating greater economic returns for Sigatoka and addressing declining tourist numbers visiting the town.
Then mayor Joveci Bolawaqatabu outlined the plans during a press conference at the council chambers.
At the time, a $3.5m upgrade of Lawaqa Park was nearing completion.
The council was also planning to transform the town-end of the Sigatoka River into what Mr Bolawaqatabu described as a “peculiar tourist attraction”.
Architects Pacific Design was expected to conduct a study to identify potential development opportunities for the area.
Among the proposals were river cruises and Shotover Jet rides along the Sigatoka River.
Mr Bolawaqatabu said a meeting with Shotover Jet directors was scheduled for the following day, with further discussions and a trial planned.
The council was also working with the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), which was expected to provide a consultant to assist with the preparation of a strategic and corporate plan for Sigatoka.
Economic development and strategic planning adviser Serge Belloni, who was based in Vanuatu, was expected to begin the exercise.
He was to meet councillors, members of the Sigatoka community and business representatives before formulating the plan.
Relocating the town’s bus station and market was another priority for the council.
A plan for the relocation had been approved in 1992, while the Ministry for Urban Development was pushing for its implementation.
Kinston Morrison consultants were preparing detailed plans for the relocation of the market and bus station, along with the subdivision of commercial lots.
However, Mr Bolawaqatabu said the council faced challenges in progressing some of its projects, including a lack of interest and support from some council members and the public.
He noted that plans to relocate the market and bus stand had been around since the early 1980s.
Finance was another challenge, but Mr Bolawaqatabu said he managed to secure funding from several sources to help move the council’s development plans forward.
The plans reflected the council’s efforts in 1998 to expand Sigatoka’s economic base and strengthen its appeal as a destination along the Coral Coast.
