THE Lautoka swimming pool will be completed and opened from August or September next year.
Special administrator Ajay Kumar said this at a public consultation by the Lautoka City Council where residents criticised the delayed project.
“The contract for the project has been awarded to a contractor and for your information we have a consultant which is calling for tenders for the completion of the swimming pool,” Mr Kumar said.
“I can confirm by the end of August or September next year, the project will be completed.”
Addressing a concern raised by Simla resident Sadhana Sen, Mr Kumar said the council had to follow due process.
“We had first advertised for a consultant and appointed one which is the very first stage before we move onto the completion of the project.
“The consultant has the plans and is now working on getting the contractors.”
Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa said the project would take time to complete.
“Why it is taking time is because it is a big project and it has been left there for so long,” said Mr Nalumisa.
“If you go to the pool tomorrow you can see for yourself the condition of some of the infrastructure and facilities.”
But Ms Sen was adamant the council should be upfront with ratepayers.
“We are not stupid people,” said Ms Sen to Mr Kumar. “You have taken taxpayers’ money and you’ve wasted it. And now you are talking about a consultant, and due process will be followed.
“Transparency is all we are asking for. We have not had transparency for years.”
