Pandemic Delays Opening of $34m FNU Complexes
The Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Business, Hospitality, and Tourism Studies (CBHTS) Complex and its sports complex at the Nasinu campus are being delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
FNU Director Capital Projects and Infrastructure, Niranjwan Chettiar said, “The sports complex currently in its testing and commissioning period, will approximately take two to three weeks, while the College of Business, Hospitality, and Tourism Studies (CBHTS) complex is expected to open in Semester 1, 2021.”
“The completion of the multipurpose sports court has been impacted by COVID-19 due to movement restrictions,” he said.
“The specialised flooring installers are still due to arrive from Australia.
“The sports complex project requires specialised and robust products and materials. “The project team has successfully installed gym equipment and operable acoustic partitions via video conference with collaboration from New Zealand and Australia based suppliers respectively and local companies. “The university is exploring options on its multipurpose court flooring to enable the users to benefit from this facility at the earliest possible time.”
The sports complex and CBHTS building cost $9 million and $25 million respectively. “The projects have effectively identified risks and developed strategies to mitigate the impacts; thus, there has been no significant impact or challenge on the project. The project team had effectively liaised with the utility authorities to ensure the necessary infrastructure is made available for the projects.”
“The two projects have performed well in terms of the project financials to date, and all expenditures are within the budgetary allocaions,” he said.
“The projects had undergone a thorough planning and design review process to ensure that projects remain within the budget during the implementation stage.
“The frequent wet weather conditions are a major factor affecting the project timeline. The COVID-19 lockdown and restrictions also had an impact on the project.
“The project timeline has not deviated to
The sports complex currently in its testing and commissioning period which will approximately take two to three weeks, while the College of Business, Hospitality, and Tourism Studies (CBHTS) Complex is expected to open in Semester 1, 2021
Niranjwan Chettiar FNU Director Capital Projects and Infrastructure
such an extent that it would impact on the operations of the university.
Mr Chettiar added: “There have been some slight delays in importing construction materials, but this has been managed well by the contractors. It is within the project schedule to ensure minimum impact on the project.
“The facilities are on track to open their doors for the staff and students from the first semester 2021.
“The sports complex is a state-of-the-art indoor sports and fitness gymnasium which will be used for teaching and learning; promoting health and wellness.
“The fitness gym area has included cardio and weight training spaces, and flexible spaces for yoga, Zumba, or specific training sessions. The multipurpose court allows for basketball, volleyball, netball, badminton, and futsal.
“The College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies complex will provide students access to modern teaching and learning facilities as well as central student academic services and an auditorium with a 450 seating capacity.
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