New industrial business park

THE new Industrial Business Park that is being developed in Lautoka will introduce an affordable, state-of-the-art development concept that prioritises sustainability. The Industrial Business Park includes not only affordable industrial lots but also provides the Australian standard building concept.

Developer Anwa Khan says it is the first time an Industrial Business Park is being built and it is one of a kind in Fiji.

“This is the first time that we are building a proper Industrial Business Park in Lautoka, its a state-of-the-art and is all Australian standards.”

“We are trying to educate our local people that a complex being built to overseas standards will be a viable asset to any business.

“We have the government with a positive approach to create business ideas of creating wealth in Fiji by giving investors a chance to build their properties or warehouses and give huge tax incentives and other great incentives which is just great for Investors.”

“There are some issues with local authorities that cause delay for the developer. If we can overcome the issues, I believe we will have many other land developers, local and overseas who will want to invest in property development,” he said.

“Without construction, the economy cannot grow anywhere in the world. Currently in Fiji, we need to look at how a developer can overcome issues they face in developing in Fiji so that Fiji itself can grow much further and at a faster pace.

“There is a positive and negative side to wanting to do developments in Fiji. It is very difficult, and it’s an issue I’m facing right now.

The concept that they have designed for the subdivision is environmentally friendly.

“We have looked into everything from how the buildings look, controlling the water system and controlling any release into the sea with our detention tanks,” he said.

“The subdivision has three-phase power, with all necessary services included. Our focus is to develop the industrial land and then the marina where shipping companies can bring their large barges straight onto the marina ramp, which will be hydraulic-driven. They can come, clean and check their boats within an hour and place their vessels in the water again.

“Our project is environmentally friendly that none of the rubbish can go into the sea, which is one of the critical features of this project. We will also have an energy-saving system where the entire roof in the property will have solar panels, so we can feedback the solar power into the grid which will provide 5 megawatts of energy at no cost to those interested to start their business there.

“We look at how feasible and affordable it can be for our buyers and in return, making Lautoka City one of the best in the country.”

They employ 100 per cent of locals to work on the project.

“We did not source any labor outside Fiji.,” he said. I have worked for 40 years in Australia in development and building, and now I’m back home to give Fiji what I have learnt.

“We encourage locals who want to be part of this project to learn different ideas compared to projects in Fiji.”

“So far we have invested $2 million for the development. For your reference we haven’t borrowed a single cent for the project.”

“I think it is essential for banks to consider maybe relooking at their lending criteria, so development can be financed to complete for future projects,” Mr. Khan said.

“Due to the constraints, we had to stage our project, Stage 1 and Stage 2. Now we are releasing stage 1, comprising of 15 lots, within the 15 lots, lot 3, 4 and 5 will be strata title plan where small businesses could buy, build and own.”

“We encourage the investors who are conscious about our environment and sustaining it, even having an industrial subdivision.”

“Our subdivision will have a future industrial marina which will be operated on 24 hour service. “After the completion of this development, we will be focusing on providing affordable homes starting in the west.”

“We are in dialogue with government departments, and with Investment Fiji to facilitate stage 1.” Mr. Khan said.