Fiji Government plans to build more Four way lanes in the Western Division

Government is planning to build more four-way lanes in the Western Division.

While speaking at the Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry West Business Forum in Nadi over the weekend, Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said if people and businesses paid their taxes without avoiding the system, more developments would be possible.

“If everybody plays their role within the tax system and follows the law then everybody will benefit,” he said.

“We have one of the lowest rates in personal tax rates in this part of the world so why would you want to avoid the system?

“We can do a lot more four-way lanes.

“We can even do a four-way lane all the way to Lautoka and in fact we got that in sight.

“But we do need to get the revenue to be able to do that.”

He explained the rippling impact of proper tax payments.

“That of course will improve transportation, the quality of living, the quality of lifestyle and it will help employees to be able to access affordable housing and to be able to be connected to their workplaces.”

Credit: Repeka Nasiko, Fiji Times 28.11. 2016

Morris Hedstrom Fiji to open 2 Stores Next Year

Two new Morris Hedstrom (MH) stores will be opened in Viti Levu next year.

This was confirmed by the Carpenters Group Fiji director Retail Marketing and Morris Hedstrom general manager Kunaseelan Sabaratnam.

“We are looking at opening two new MH stores and we are going to renovate the five major stores next yer,” Mr. Sabaratnam said.

He said they are also doing two major property investments next year.

“One will be opened in the MH Tower in the city,” Mr. Sabratnam said.

“MH has been in Fiji for so many years and we are honoured to serve the people.”

Mr. Sabratnam was speaking after a $3.8 million M supermarket was opened in Labasa on Friday.

“We have opened our <H store in Labasa as promised and we are going to do more for the people of the Friendly North,” Mr. Sabratnam highlighted.

Special Administrator of Labasa and Savusavu Town councils Vijay Chand at the opening said today’s MH employs close to 1,300 people across the country.

This is with additional 3,000 in the Carpentars group alone.

“MH has proud record of managing and operating 42 outlets throughout Fiji, some serving in remote areas of the country,” Mr. Chand said.

“Labasa is a town that is on a path of rapid groeth, testimony to which are various new developments that are happening in the town.”

Mr. Chand said soon there will be a set of new and modern buildings shaping the new look Labasa.

“Investments such as Damodar City, Galaxy and Fji National University are a few that area here to stay and contribute to the growth and employment opportunities for the north,” he said.

These developments, he said , will definitely transform the town into a modern city type structured municipality.

“Labasa today, is a modern and bustling town that has a population of close to 10,000 people within town boundary.

“An additional 10,000 people live on the peripheries of the town contributing equally  to the town as well’

Credit: Shratika Naidu, Fiji Sun 28.11.16

Lautoka Fiji Considered for the establishment of the Manufacturing and Creation Zone.

Two places in Lautoka are currently being surveyed for the establishment of the Manufacturing and Creation Zone.

This was outlined by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism permanent secretary Shaheen Ali.

He made the presentation at the Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry, West Business Forum at Fiji National University lecture theatre yesterday in Nadi.

Mr. Ali said the Drasa and Wairabatia, Lautoka, are currently undergoing Geotech surveys after which the cabinet is expected to make a decision on where to situate the zone.

“For creation of Manufacturing and Creation zone, we are looking at creating a similar model to Kalabu Tax Free Zone which now employes 4000 people,” Mr. Ali said.

He said the Kalabu Tax Free Zone had attracted world class companies.

Recently, Mr. Ali said a debt recovery company from Australia has also announced that they will invest and set up in Kalabu Tax Free Zone.

“That will mean 400 more jobs as they set up their call centre and there is a potential to employ over 1000 locals in the future,” he said.

Mr. Ali said there had been an announcement made in the budget to have the zone.

I think it will break convention in a sense that like Kalabu Tax Free model, it will allow the investor to basically come with the readymade infrastructure.”

“They will be ensured with the provisions of all infrastructure including, electricity, IT connection.”

Credit: Arishma devi-Narayan, Fiji Sun 27.11.16

Boeing 737 Purchase by Fiji Airways Improves Economics Relations with US

Fiji’s decision to buy Boeing 737 Max 8 planes from American company, Boeing, is a positive step towards the economic relations for both countries, says US Ambassador to Fiji Judith Cefkin.

Ms. Cefkin spoke at the announcement of the decision by the national carrier, Fiji Airways, to acquire the five new planes – the first of two arrive in 2018.

“It’s a very, very exciting day today and we are very pleased to be here with friends from Boeing and its partners. I would like to thank the Honourable Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Fiji Airways. This is really an auspicious occasion,” she said.

“I believe that this will benefit both countries and this decision to purchase the B737Max is another positive step in US-Fiji economics relations.

“Last year there were close to 68,000 visitors to Fiji from the United states and this purchase will assist in growing this. We are also very pleased to see Fiji making a mark on the international stage.”

Boeing is pleased that Fiji Airways has announced its commitment to purchase five 737 Max 8s.

“Boeing is honoured that Fiji Airways has selected the 737 MAX for its fleet renewal plan and we look forward to welcoming Fiji Airways as our newest 737 MAX customer,” said Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president, Asia Pacific and India Sales, Oceania and Southeast Asia.”

When finalized, the order will be posted to be Boeing Orders and Deliveries website.

Earlier this year Boeing celebrated its 100 years anniversary. Fiji Airways has been doing business with Boeing Company for 35 years now.

Credit: Jyoti Pratibha, Fiji Sun 24.11.16

2 Western Towns in Fiji get New Auto Gas Station worth $200k

Fiji Gas has opened two new auto gas station in Sigatoka and Lautoka worth over $200,000 yesterday.

This was done in partnership with Total (Fiji) Ltd and Supreme Fuel Ltd and brings their total auto gas to 20.

The auto gas stations are now available at Total Service Station in Sigatoka town and Vitogo Parade in Lautoka.

Fiji Gas chief executive Hans Reiher said the gas stations were in line with the countries effort to fight the challenges of climate change.

The Fiji government is committed to climate change action and has pledged to cut its overall emissions from the energy sector by 30 per cent by 2030.

Mr. Reiher added the people of Fiji and the Pacific also need to make informed and progressive energy choices.

He further thanked supreme Fuel and Total for their partnerships, who have worked closely with Fiji Gas to help us secure this strategic location.

The supreme Fuel Ltd managing director Rajesh Patel said he was looking to continue the exclusive partnership with Fiji Gas.

Credit: Arishma Devi-Narayan, Fiji Sun 24.11.16

Fiji Needs to Adopt International Valuation Standards

The President of the Fiji Institute of valuation, Solo Nata, said adoption of the International Valuation Standard will benefit the institution as standardising was one of the challenges they had been facing.

“Standardising our valuation has been one of the challenges the institute has been facing for some years now and we have adopted the International Valuation standards,” Mr. Nata said.

“Our current focus is the international valuation standard being adapted as we need to practice it,” he said.

“We need to standardise with the global standard because when we do we take away the inconsistencies and questionable valuation.”

He added it was important to be conscious and aware of the trends in terms of the growth in whatever sector, like residential, tourism, commercial and other key sectors.

“Sometimes we come across issues like undervaluation or over valuation but what we should be doing is fair valuation,” Mr. Nata said.

“While we continue to uphold ethics, conducting standards, we must ensure that we are fair to our clients.”

Mr. Nata also highlighted Fijians should work together in supporting economic growth with the Government

“We should support the property and the estate management in the most ethical conduct as this is very important for Fiji.

The Fiji Institute of Valuation conference was themed: The Trending Property Market in Fiji – Strategies to manage and address growth.

It was held at the Pearl Resort in Pacific Harbour.

The valuation conference is an yearly event for people who are in the valuation sector mainly in the property market to discuss issues surrounding the valuation institute.

The main aim of the Fiji institute of Valuation is to make land accessible and affordable and secure for all Fijians.

Credit: Kathrin Sharma, Fiji Sun 20.11.16

Hexagon Group $8.6 million Commercial Development Underway

Hexagon Group started c0nstruction to what it says would be an $8.6 million commercial development along Suva Nausori corridor.

Vitivou Estates will have five commercial lots and 144 residential lots.

Group Chairman Hafiz Khan said the substantial civil works have already been done.

“The site has been filled and compacted so as to raise the platform height,” he said.

“Sewer and water line works for stage 1 have already been done and road-works are now being done.

The expected completion of the subdivision development works is by early next year. The commercial complex is expected to end by December 2017.

Commercial Lots

There will be 5 commercial lots.

Lot1, which has an area of 3,376m2, will now see the commencement of building works on a large scale commercial complex, being undertaken by developers themselves.

The building has been designed by Design Hut, a well-known architectural firm with extensive experience in designing and project development services.

The building construction works is being undertaken by Cope Construction, a reputable construction experienced in such large scale projects.

Residential Blocks

The development will offer 144 residential Lots, out of which 19 Lots will have 800m2 of land area while the remaining 125 lots will have land area ranging from 500m2 to 550m2.

A number of blocks have already been sold while the remaining lots are up for sale – from a starting price of $155,000 plus VAT for lots in stage 1.

Out of the total lots in stage 1, only a few 8000m2 lots and  500m2 – 550m2 lots remain to be sold.

Apart from block sale, the developers are also selling land and house package deals.

Credit: Farzana Nisha, Fiji Sun 19.11.2016

Government of Fiji to Strictly Monitor Agriculture Leases

The illegal subdividing of agriculture land leases is prevalent in pre-urban areas in the Western Division.

Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources acting permanent secretary Malakai Nalawa said the ministry had started to regularise and give leases to those who had been illegally staying on the land.

In presenting the ministry’s submissions to the Standing Committee on Mineral and Natural Resources yesterday, Mr Nalawa said the lease was then terminated and those occupying the land were given individual leases for which they would pay the rental straight to Government.

“There is no legal provision applicable to us to charge the lessee for the breach. Thus we only terminate the lease and then the land would be reduced considerably so the lessee would only be allocated the site on which he will build his house and the rest will be subdivided,” he said.

“We are closely monitoring our agriculture leases in order to make sure the lessee does not speculate on the agriculture leases.”

Mr Nalawa said this was the only form of penalty which the ministry had in place for those who illegally subdivided agriculture leases.

He also revealed that the ministry was also aware of cases where one lessee held more than one or two land leases.

He said the ministry was working on eliminating this practice thus it would take time as contextual agreements had been put in place which would have legal implications if the ministry terminated one of the land leases.

“We are now working on a new policy in order to ensure that we do not give two residential leases at one time.”

Credit: Litia Cava, Fiji Times 22.11.16

Fiji Denarau $7.5m Bridge Almost Complete

Final touches to the $7.5million Denarau Bridge project is underway.

This was confirmed by the Fiji Roads authority Chief executive officer John Hutchinson.

However, he said that an official date of when the bridge would open for public use would be finalized soon.

He added the opening of Denarau Bridge would also decide when the Bailey bridge would be removed.

“The construction of the bridge is complete outstanding works includes the installation of cables, linking of new water and sewer pipes to the existing network and asphalt sealing the road approaches to the bridge,” he said.

“The construction of the bridge is complete however outstanding works includes the installation of cables, linking of new water and sewer pipes to the existing network and asphalt sealing the road approaches to the bridge,” he said.

According to Mr. Hutchinson, approximately over 90 per cent of the project was complete with the construction of the bridge however, asphalt sealing the road approaches to the bridge were taken care of last week.

He added work was scheduled to be completed by this month.

He said the contractor is currently carrying out Utility Service installation, concrete kerbing and handrail extensions and road approaches.

Meanwhile, work on the entry of the Denarau Island is underway with a promising new facelift.

Credit: Waisea Nasokia, Fiji Sun 21.11.16

Island Hoppers Fiji Launched a New Sky Dive Venture Worth $7m

Fiji’s long term aviation player, Island Hoppers, has launched a new Sky Dive venture – Free Fall Fiji with an investment worth FJ$7million.

Director of operations Craig Keighley said, “Last year we wanted to develop our products further including Fiji’s premium Sky Dive operations with Free Fall Fiji.

He said they wanted something to do differently and offer a new product in Fiji.

“We intend to fill that niche and offer another high standard of Island Hoppers product. We look forward to times ahead with Sky Dive Product and Sky Dive services.”

Sky Dive centre facility

Island Hoppers have a new facility – new Sky Dive Centre and drop site in the front of the office which is located as part of the Denarau Golf and Racquet club complex.

At the Sky Dive centre they brief, explain and train passengers on how to sky dive and teach them what all is required of safety purposes and also where they gear up.

“Then we put them in one of the product either in one of the helicopter combos or the helicopter rides, or the aeroplane Sky Dive back here in Denarau or transfer to Nadi.

“Guests are picked from their various accommodation and destination.

“We truly hope our product will stand alone and is different from anything else available.”

Investment

As part of its investment, the aeroplane used is specifically custom built Pac 15, specifically for Sky Dive operation bought from New Zealand.

“Certainly the certification and IP and the support system is high and we need the facilities and network like we’ve shown and demonstrated and plus obviously our drop gear the parachutes and everything else’” Mr. Keighley said.

“The investment so far is approximately $7million including the aeroplane. So we got a long way to go and to prove the product and introduce it to the product.

“We’ve pledged a large investment and a lot of commitment to this property and we look forward to the support of our existing wholesalers and existing sales network to make this a new exciting and great adventures in Fiji.”

DCL Island Hoppers venture

Denarau Corporation Limited chairman Nigel Skeggs has welcomed the venture.

“It is great, obviously for DCL and denarau Island, it is very important for us to be able to give our different guest different experiences,” he said.

“To have Island Hoppers Free Fall operation is fantastic and brings competition in to the market.

“It gives people a new thing to do while here in Fiji. We are 100 per cent supportive of such strategies and we hope to see them very successful in the future.”

Credit: Waisea Nasokia, Fiji Sun 21.11.16