The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation in partnership with the Water Authority of Fiji and Denarau Corporation Limited, are jointly working on the upgrade of the Westin Sewer Pump Station on Denarau Island.A sewer pumping station in Denarau was built in the early 70s to support the then Regent Hotel and has been servicing Denarau Island for almost half a century.
There are currently five Precincts on Denarau Island home to nine resorts, 10 residential estates consisting of 395 residential lots, a Marina, and a Golf Course.
To ensure the infrastructure can accommodate current and future demands, in the last five months, the Ministry in partnership with Water Authority and Denarau Corporation Limited, has held a series of consultations on the upgrading of the aging infrastructure.
In acknowledging the Denarau Island infrastructure challenges, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, highlighted the competing priorities for rural and urban development, however, sees this as a priority area for consideration given Denarau will continue to expand in the years ahead.
Gavoka says Denarau Island alone accounts for 22 percent of total visitor days – making it one of the most visited tourism areas.
He says they expect it to grow with at least two new hotel investments currently underway, adding pressure on the existing infrastructure.
Gavoka adds that while there is a need to prioritize Fiji’s infrastructure developments, they must ensure regions that generate significant revenue for the tourism industry and the economy are also considered.
Meanwhile, the Denarau Cooperation Limited General Manager Nezbit Hazelman says their major challenges need to be addressed today and with the right expertise, consultation, and financial support, they can ensure long-term solutions for Denarau Island to continue to provide pristine services to their guests and residents.The project timeline is approximately scheduled for implementation from 2024 to 2026.