Initially clouded in controversy, the multi-million dollar hotel construction at Lautoka’s Shirley Park looks set to go ahead.
This is after Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum performed the ground breaking ceremony at the proposed P Meghi project today.
Following 24 months of preparations and protests against this project, its developers, P Meghji can finally start with the construction works proper.
“There were hurdles of opposition and deliberate go slow tactics our resolve to continue with our proposition. But despite the odds, authorities were true to their words, granting the project, the necessary step of approval to which we are most grateful,” said Romit Meghji the Executive Director of P Meghji
Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed- Khaiyum says this project will give the sugar city a new edge to host and accommodate major events in the near future.
He also had a few words for those who had initially opposed the project.
“For those people who were opposing it, as you can see the site is not taking over Shirley Park, it is a small portion of Shirley Park and unfortunately there were lot of misinformation regarding the size, allocation of the lease vis a vee the park itself. those people who were actually cautious about it, please be rest assured Shirley Park is still operational,” said the Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed- Khaiyum.
This project also reflects investor confidence in the economy especially from the local investors.
“If you see percentage of investment per GDP, its now in the excess of 25%. 19% of the 25 is actually driven by the private sector and most of the investment in recent times have come from the local investors,” the AG added.
For Lautoka City Council, this will surely have a major positive impact on not only the look of the sugar city but its economy as well.
“The council came out with an idea of developing this site as we have been missing out on hosting big conferences and its economic spin offs,” said Jone Nakauvadra, the Chief Executive Officer of the Lautoka City Council.
This is not the first tourism and hospitality venture by P Meghji Group. It has also invested heavily at upgrading Sheraton Tokiriki.