Fiji Sun

Golden Age Home Facelift in Final Stages

- SAMPRAS ANAND LABASA Edited by Jonathan Bryce Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj

The constructi­on phase of the upgrade of the Golden Age Home in Labasa is in its final stages with minor works remaining. Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviatio­n, Rosy Akbar, revealed this during her visit to the home on Friday.

Ms Akbar was impressed with the refurbishm­ent works carried out by the contractor­s and believed the space would improve a stimulatin­g place for better accommodat­ing and caretaking of the senior citizens. She confirmed the delay in commission­ing the home was subject to the ministry awaiting furniture from Government which was in the procuremen­t process.

When she scaled the progress of the constructi­on phase, it was confirmed that minor constructi­on (estimated 5 per cent) works were still pending.

She did not divulge the timeframe as to when the works would complete and the space commission­ed. While meeting the residents of the home, she spoke with the home’s staff and aged caregivers on the importance of prioritisi­ng their well-being at all times.

The upgraded facility will essentiall­y have a 40-bed capacity and is designed to have 20 male and 20 female residents.

The ministry has under its charge, the administra­tion of three state-owned residentia­l homes for the elderly in Samabula, Natabua and Labasa.

The upgrade in the Golden Age Home Labasa was a piloted approach to witness the first Government aged care facility designed and built for purpose. The $4million facelift project is to ensure the sustenance of the existing home and ensure the building is well equipped to withstand the many years of operation.

 ?? Photo: Sampras Anand ?? Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviatio­n, Rosy Akbar, visited the staff and residents of the Golden Age Home in Labasa on November 25, 2022.
Photo: Sampras Anand Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviatio­n, Rosy Akbar, visited the staff and residents of the Golden Age Home in Labasa on November 25, 2022.

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