Stakes high to re-start works at WG complex
Chinese investors working frantically to comply, complete project and start business operation on Fiji’s tallest high-rise.
The investors of the WG Friendship Plaza in Suva are eager to re-start construction works, once the stop order is lifted.
The project’s marketing director, Liang Ding, who has been in the country for the past two months, said they had materials on hand to install the glass windows, now that the building’s skeleton structure was in place.
The only setback is the stop work order by the Suva City Council (SCC), following a complaint lodged by the Anglican Church.
The church had complained that one of the hotel’s retaining wall and two steel structures had crossed the boundary of the church property.
Claims
After months of meetings between the church and WG heads, Mr Liang has claimed that an agreement with the church has led to the retaining wall being removed and the two steel structures cut off.
The Anglican Church declined to comment on the issue.
Mr Liang admits they made a mistake, but are prepared to fully comply and rectify the problem and complete the project which towers over Flagstaff.
He is now preparing a report, which he will submit to the SCC for approval and possible lifting of the order.
Construction on the 30-storey highrise started in 2017 and since the order was issued in April this year, Mr Liang has been working to start work again, complete it and get it running because a lot of money, time and effort is at stake.
“We cannot move the structure or tear it down so the only logical thing to do is complete it and get it operating as soon as possible,” Mr Liang said.
This is the company’s first project outside of China.
WG has been in operation in Hangzhou City, the capital of Zhejiang Province in China for the past 30 years; their core business is real estate.
He said they are also committed to a similar project in China - three times bigger than the one here in Suva.
Facilities will require human resources.
Once the project is completed and operational Mr Liang boasts that at least 400 locals will have the chance to find employment in the building.
He believes this is an investment worth revisiting for the sake of Fijian youths seeking employment and attracting more tourists into the capital city.
Queries sent to SCC remained unanswered.