Casino site outside Denarau Island in Nadi yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA
By RACHNA LAL and
JYOTI PRATIBHA
Ground work seems to have started on the new ground where the country’s first casino is supposed to be built.
The site is less than one kilometre before Denarau Island in Nadi and has been the family property of Nadi-based architect, Adrian Sofield.
When the Fiji Sun visited the site yesterday, it was noted that diggers have been brought to the site and a makeshift office has been put up there as well.
However, it is unclear whom the developer, One Hundred Sands Limited, has given the contract to build the casino.
Pacific Building Solutions was one of the companies which had shown interest in constructing the Casino and Convention Centre.
Pacific Building Solutions managing director Michael Fairfax said they have not had any contact with One Hundred Sands Limited for three weeks now.
Meanwhile questions have been sent to One Hundred Sands president Larry Claunch who is yet to respond.
The Attorney-General and Minister for Tourism, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, last week said One Hundred Sands has been given the light to go ahead.
“So we understand they are doing that,” he said.
The initial site for the casino was on Denarau Island next to Wyndham Vacation Resort.
Mr Claunch in an earlier interview with the Fiji Sun had confirmed the budget for the Casino and Convention Centre construction remains $290 million.