The construction of the largest American Embassy among the Pacific Island countries, in Fiji, has resulted in an estimated economic impact exceeding 50 million dollars to our economy.
While speaking at the new US Embassy site in Tamavua which is expected to open in 2011, Project Director Tracy Thomas said hundreds of locals were also employed at the project site representing over two dozen local subcontractors and suppliers.
Thomas said they really focused on using local materials and it has benefitted Fiji.
Thomas said working side by side with skilled tradesmen, local workers have had a unique opportunity to learn how construction is performed at international standards.
She said many of the interior and exterior finishes at the new embassy were sourced and or fabricated locally. Some rooms have mahogany and tapa finishing which gives a Pacific touch to the buildings.
Meanwhile US Embassy=s Regional Public Affairs Officer, Jeffery Robertson said work on the designing of the new embassy started back in 2003. He said they always wanted a Pacific touch and never wanted it to look like a fortress with high brick walls.
Robertson said the new embassy compound represents a major step forward in the United States= ability to represent its interests, and to deliver services and support programs for other US embassies in the increasingly important Pacific region.
It has been confirmed today that the new US embassy in Tamavua will be ready by the end of this year and the embassy staff are expected to move in by early 2011.
Thomas said with such a large project a number of issues, including delays, come into play. However they have managed to find solutions and are expected to complete the project by the end of 2010.
$50m impact on local economy after new US Embassy construction
Related Stories
COMPOL urges Lagalaga Sanatan students to value discipline and education
Students of Lagalaga Sanatan Primary School in Labasa have been reminded of the importance of education, discipline and obedience by the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu. Tudravu spoke to the students during
Heavy Rain Alert remains for Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the Eastern half of Viti Levu from Serua, Namosi through Navua, Suva, Nausori, Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ra, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni, Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups and near
Warning letter written to Prof. Narsey – Acting AG
Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga says a strong warning letter has been written to Electoral Reform Commissioner Professor Wadan Narsey after he came out publicly with the Electoral Reform Commission report recommen
3 Fijian men from KVT gang in Sydney denied bail for AUD$12.5M drugs case
Three Fijians who are alleged to be associated with a gang supplying drugs in Sydney have been refused bail by the court. 28-year-old Eparama Nevale, 28-year-old William Ravoka, and 24-year-old George Sukanaivalu,
Proposed ‘People First’ submits application for registration
The Proposed ‘People First’ has submitted its application for registration to the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa. Mataiciwa confirms that the FEO is now preparing to publish the party’s applica
Visitor arrivals on track for record year while sugar output drops
Visitor arrivals have recovered following a decline in the first quarter and based on current trends, Fiji is on track to achieve a third consecutive year of record visitor arrivals in 2025. While speaking on the p