Drua win boosts Lautoka cash flow
Lautoka City Council chief executive officer Mohammed Anees Khan said a significant boost was noted by the Sugar City’s business sector during Round Three of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific in Churchill Park, Lautoka, last Saturday.
When the Tevita Ikanivere captainedSwire Shipping Fijian Drua side edged defending champion Crusaders 25-24, the close to 14,000 spectators packed the sports arena to witness the upset.
“The council is pleased,not only the Fijian
Drua team and management but also patrons of Churchill Park noticed and appreciated the improvements in the facilities,” Khan said.
“It was indeed a day of contentment for the Council staff who were involved in the upgrade works and upkeep, some of whom personally received accolades from patrons and visiting team supporters.”
He said they were looking at more improvement works before they would be hosting the next Super Rugby match.
“New media boxes would replace the old commentary booths at the park. These would be done before the next game in April,” he said.
“There is a management committee comprising of the Council and Drua officials, who will be meeting in the coming days to take note of lessons learned and operational improvements that need to be fine-tuned and implemented.”
LCC also has other sports in mind; this includes football, athletics and rugby league. “We plead to the public to use them responsibly and leave them in the same condition. “We want all those hiring our facilities to enjoy themselves without issues, people to enjoy their sport using a safe facility, and bring in more money for Lautoka.”
Aamira Restaurant (South Seas Club) owner Hafiz Rahiman was once again overjoyed with the boost to his cash till.
“I have been in this business for a few decades now, the thrill of revenue generated on Drua games is a huge success,” he said. “The more we generate the more commission is channeled to our staff, business success is a team success.”
Nadi/Sigatoka special administrator Chair Lawrence Kumar said the success was also felt with the business houses in the tourist town.
“No doubt revenue generated from the business activity on the day is enormous.”