THE redeveloped Momi Bay Resort is set to open next year, says FNPF chief operating officer Jaoji Koroi.
“The construction works for the Momi Bay hotel are expected to be complete by December 2016,” he said.
“The 250-room hotel is expected to be one of the iconic five-star hotels in Fiji and will add a totally new style of resort accommodation to the market, under the Marriott brand, which is also new to Fiji. The hotel is expected to open by the end of the first quarter of 2017,” Mr Koroi said.
He said at this stage, works were progressing well under a tight construction program.
“The main challenges faced are lack of skilled tradesmen in tiling and joinery trades.
“FNPF is also dependent on FEA and WAF to deliver permanent supply for power and water by December,” he said.
On completion, the hotel is expected to create about 500 new jobs, generate new revenue for Government and create commercial activities for the transport and tourism sectors.
“The members can expect an immediate return on the project through the repayment of debt finance.
“Also, it marks a successful transition of a major non-performing asset to start generating income for members.”
The contractor, Fletcher Construction of New Zealand, is putting in the final touches on the $190 million redeveloped resort.
The resort had commenced redevelopment works in 2014 after receiving further funding from Government.
This was after the collapse of the failed New Zealand finance company Bridgecorp in 2007.
The Momi Bay Resort was Bridgecorp’s largest property project in Fiji.
This article first appeared in The Fiji Times on August 8, 2016.