The construction of the National War Memorial and a War Museum where the service and sacrifice of our service personnel will be commemorated and honoured is expected to finish next year.

The Defence Ministry said the work is being carried out in three phases, the first of which includes road work, design and foundation which is currently being done and will also include the partial construction of a war memorial expected to be completed this year.

The Ministry said phase three to be undertaken in 2011 will include the design, construction of the clubhouse, steel railings and electrical works, a statue of Sefanaia Sukanaivalu, museum, the water garden and construction of a 400 seat pavilion.

The Ministry went on to say that Fiji has been sending Fiji Islanders to serve in the cause of world peace since the First World War, and this contribution has resulted in the loss of over 300 lives, adding the benefits outweigh the costs in allowing a place where the people of Fiji can honour their Servicemen assisting in the healing process which will contribute to a more stable nation.

Cabinet has set aside $500,000 in 2009 for the first phase of the project and the Ministry stated that the project is viable given its various benefits which in addition will create opportunities for spin off activities such as organisation of tour groups to the Memorial, manufacturers of souvenirs which should generated other indirect benefits.