Suva Port Relocation Extended to June This year
The site relocation of Suva Port has been extended to June 2023. Fiji Ports Corporation Limited chief executive officer Vajira Piyasena said the project had to be extended because of the ongoing lockdowns and travel restrictions during the pandemic.
“Consideration of the new port site is to include full or partial relocation of the activities currently performed at the existing port, growth in trade volumes and new commodities, consolidation of activities that are currently spread across several ports, and the potential to grow Fiji’s role as a hub for the wider South Pacific Islands community,” said Mr Piyasena. “The Project was initially expected to be completed by end of June 2021.
“Ongoing lockdowns and travel restrictions had an impact on site investigations and consultations, lengthening the Project program. “Therefore, the Project has now been extended and will be completed by end of June 2023.” Mr Piyasena said in the future, there is an opportunity for Port of Suva to be developed into an international cruise terminal.
At the moment, Mr Piyasena said Port of Lautoka Management has initiated an in-house review of the existing development plans against the existing land and bathymetry conditions. “A feasibility study is currently being undertaken by external consulting firm.
“The study will consider factors such as the existing land use, zoning regulations, local market conditions, existing infrastructure, as well as the FPCL’s strategic goals and available resources. “From these recommendations for the most viable development options, considering the economic, social, and environmental factors will be made. This report will be used by FPCL to make strategic decisions on land usage for commercial, retail or tourism developments.”