The company has so far invested well over 15 million dollars on infrastructure and earthworks alone. The nature and scale of our developments requires Government action and support. Public infrastructure, as a catalyst for development, often determines the cost, type and pace of investments. Many capital projects are currently being undertaken in the Nadi area because government is investing in roads, water, sewer¬age, drainage, telecommunications and electricity distribution. A new and expanded drainage system is being developed to match the tourism development needs of the Wailoaloa and Nadi areas.
Generally the level of government support has been good. However, we would prefer a much more proactive approach by certain officials and agencies. We need government to facilitate our development through new regulations and policies. The scale of investment undertaken involves risks, but these risks we are willing to take. With a strong, supportive and stable government in place we are confident about completing the projects as planned.
Plans are in place for a complex to serve the needs of the tourism industry for conventions and meetings and for the local population for weddings and other occasions where space and the surrounding environment are important to the nature of the event.
Fantasy Island provides the ideal location for both these groups. It is in close proximity to the major resorts and hotels and is within easy reach of the residents of Lautoka and Nadi. The surrounding development with tourism facilities already in place adds to the attraction of the location.
There is an area of three acres close to the entrance to Fantasy that has been identified as the ideal site for the project and work on the civil engineering is already underway. The site is close to the water and substantial vegetation is already in place. Further landscaping is planned at the completion of the civil works and the required plants are already growing in the nursery. The site has 2 acre adjacent car parking area that will provide convenient parking for over 200 vehicles and a dedicated bus loading area is planned.
Design concepts are complete for the convention build¬ing and detail plans will be commissioned shortly. The complex will be designed to provide great flexibility by al¬lowing a multiplicity of room sizes to be created with the use of movable walls. Professional kitchens, of varying sizes, large storage areas, an administration office complex freezer and refrigeration equipment and barbecues in the outdoor areas will complete the entertainment and catering arrangements.
By locating the conference facilities close to the entrance to the resort, inconvenience to both the residents and the resort operators will be minimised, and people attending functions in the convention complex will have fast, easy access. The convention complex will add significantly to the value of the development as a whole and is further reason why investment in the Fantasy/Juxta Beach development is an attractive proposition.
This convention center and multipurpose hall is situated next to the recently opened Fantasia Resort that has a Greek restaurant and gym and accommodation facilities.
The top floor of the hall will have 20 accommodation units and will serve as a lodge called Fantasy Lodge.
The ground floor will also have an area designated for an Indian Cultural center and Music and Dance teachers from India will provide classes in teaching of Indian musical instruments, music and dance to those who will enroll as a student. It will be a school of music registered under the Ministry of Education. All teachers will be recruited from India and will have a recognised degree in Music and Teaching. The same teachers will also be members of the band that will provide musical and dance entertainment at the functions held at the center.