DEPUTY Prime Minister and Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica says construction of Google’s data centre at Natadola is progressing well.
Earlier landowners in Natadola raised concerns regarding transparency and the true scope of Google’s ICT and subsea cable landing facility.
Government had since clarified and insists all legal and consultation steps were followed
“My advice is the landowners who own the land have sort of agreed to the investment,” Mr Kamikamica said.
“So I haven’t heard anything else since then.”
He said Google had ensured the project complied with Fiji’s laws, including requirements around engagement with landowners.
“Google’s a very responsible corporate player in the USA. And I know for a fact that they made sure they complied with all the laws of the country, including landowner engagement.”
He said Google was also working with communities around the data centre as part of its investment.
Mr Kamikamica said the facility would be powered by solar energy, creating an additional opportunity for landowners through the leasing of land for a solar farm.
He described the development as an exciting investment for Fiji and said Google’s presence would strengthen the country’s position in the telecommunications and information and communications technology (ICT) sectors.
“Those are the types of initiatives that this country is seeing. And I have to say with Google investing in Fiji, it’s really placed Fiji on the map when it comes to telecommunications and ICT.”
He expressed optimism about the future of Fiji’s ICT industry, saying the investment could lead to further opportunities in the sector.
