Fiji is now able to host more international swimming and hockey competitions with the official reopening of the Damodar City Aquatic Centre and National Hockey Centre in Laucala Bay, Suva yesterday.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka commissioned the reopening ceremony of the $19.5 million project. Both facilities were ready in October last year.
“We had to wait for the Prime Minister’s availability. Initially, we requested the Minister of Youth and Sports to officially open it but the Chinese government requested the Prime Minister because of our diplomatic relations,” Fiji Sports Council executive chair Gilbert Vakalalabure stated.
In his address, Rabuka said, “These two facilities represent our shared unity and steadfast dedication between the two countries.”
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Fiji, Zhou Jian said they went through some challenges to complete the projects.
“This project started in 2022 and we went through challenges with adverse weather conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, we managed to complete the projects and today (yesterday) we witnessed its official handover.”
