An artist’s impression of the Gurbachan Singh Mall in Labasa which Labasa-born businessman Charan Jeath Singh is planning to build.
By SITERI TALEITAKI
Charan Jeath Singh, a successful businessman born in the North, is now working towards building a modern three storey shopping mall in the heart of Labasa Town.
Before heading for a business trip overseas, Mr Singh shared his vision about his $1.5 million project in the North.
The mall will be named after his father, Gurbachan Singh.
The planned site is where Mr Gubachan Singh had started off their business from.
The existing building will be demolished and the new three-storey shopping mall will be constructed.
Mr Singh said: “I always have a heart for the Labasa community and I will and always will invest in the North.
“Though I have invested elsewhere in Fiji, still I prefer to invest in the North.”
The demolition works should start by the end of November and Mr Singh said by July 1 next year, the mall should be leased out.
He indicated the rent is $550 to $2000 per space depending on the grades.
He said after the completion of this mall, 75 to 100 people will be employed and 30 to 50 people will be employed with the contractors.
Diversification
Mr Singh further revealed that the Charan Jeath Singh Group has also taken another milestone in collaborating agriculture and tourism.
They have opened their first guest farmhouse which guests and tourists can enjoy in an eco-friendly atmosphere.
Moreover, recently, the group has embarked upon two sugarcane farms in Labasa.
It has invested substantial sum in equipping the farm with modern farming equipment.
Besides sugarcane farming, a variety of mixed vegetable farming is also carried out on a commercial basis.
The Charan Jeath Singh Group is looking into expanding this operation even further to capture the export market in the near future.
Mr Singh further revealed he has another project coming up for Lautoka.