First phase of Nawi Island Project Nears Completion
The first phase of the highly anticipated Nawi Island Limited category five cyclone resistance Marina in Savusavu is set to open in either late March or early April.
This was the assurance by its Project general manager, Lindsay Lee, in an interview on Friday. Mr Lee said the 132 berth marina with 21 superyacht provision would become the largest sustainer for Small Medium Enterprises (SME’s) in Cakaudrove.
He said the associated building for the first phase was now complete and the focus had shifted towards the completion of the marina and the shipyard.
Associated building completion included an attached central facility over 2000 square metres spread across a yacht club, restaurants, bar, spa, a cultural heritage, nautical museum and other amenities. “80 percent of the marina is complete so we are nearing finishing”.
Financial Advisor
They main financial investor, is General Hathaway Group from Nevada in the United States led by its company head, Ronald Valenta.
The shipyard would cater for 150 vessels with a 75 ton travel lift that would pull the boats out and store them for safety from adverse cyclone like conditions or weather. The shipyard also provided time for the owners to carry out maintenance works.
Stage two of the Nawi Island Limited revamp project is expected to be completed later this year or early 2024.
Stage two phase includes the hotel development, apartments, condos, villas and residential lots with works fast tracking.
Thirty-five private residential lots have been eyed for interested sale.
$100 million has been allocated as part of its phase 1 development.
Stage two estimates was tabled at $160 million.
Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources
During the official visit by the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources to Savusavu on Friday, Filimoni Vosarogo, was requested on the continuation of the tax concession of imported materials. Mr Vosaroga was happy to work alongside the company to add another leaf in the touristic environment of Savusavu and Fiji. Moreover, the Nawi Island staff and project management accorded a warm welcome to the line Minister, Mr Vosarogo and his ministrial staff.
Mr Vosaroga asked a few clarifications on when the company purchased the space.
Zhe company purchased the Nawi Island in 2005.
Project Highlights of the Marina
■Fu●●y serviced marina, boosting ‘plug in’ services through utensiled pedestals to electricity, water, waste disposal and fuel.
■Se●f sustaining private electricity generator and retailer (licence acquisition in process).
■O■-site wastewater treatment facility.
■Reticu●ated portable water, gas, fuel and telecommunications.
■E■viro■me■t protection exercise has also been undertaken especially after the dredging and excavation works at Korovesa Island.
■Nawi Island, Korovesa Island and Nawi Lei Lei are part of the company’s development programme.
■14 hectares of mangrove had to be removed to allow for the initial stages of work on the marina at Korovesa Island.
■Duri■g the construction phase 1, around 50 locals were employed.
■Co■structio■ companies that undertook this project included Grace Road Construction, Concrete Solutions and Mar Enterprises from Nadi.
Once the hotel and Marina area is opened, these numbers could double to around 100 local staff. Mr Lee added that with Nawi Island development still in its work phase, people are expected to be attracted by its point of uniqueness and quality for Savusavu and the Northern Division.
“Do come along when the doors open for business officiall,” Mr Lee said.