No signs of progress at site
By RACHNA LAL
Fiji’s first Casino was supposed to have been completed and operational by October 2013.
But there have been constant delays and the project has not even started yet.
The casino was shifted from the initial proposed site on Denarau Island to just outside the island.
Going into the fourth month overdue period, developer One Hundred Sands Limited should have had paid US$400,000 (FJ$ 748,000) to the Fijian Government as penalty for not having the casino up and running by October 1.
The Fiji Sun contacted One Hundred Sands Limited chairman, Larry Claunch, who is believed to be in Fiji, for an update of the project.
Mr Claunch, through his email response, assured: “We are proceeding ahead with our plans to build the casino and convention centre.”
Other than this, Mr Claunch said he did not have any other comments at the moment.
He, however, said he would contact the Fiji Sun when he is ready to give a full interview.
When Fiji Sun visited the site yesterday, there was overgrown grass and diggers previously at the site had been removed.
The only things which remain are an empty container which we believe was used as office possibly and the sign board saying this is the casino site.
Previous comments
Mr Claunch had earlier in October said they are redesigning the Casino and Convention Centre with their architects in America to accommodate the new site.
He had said this was a very complicated international project and despite working day and night, every aspect had taken longer than expected.
Mr Claunch had also said they are willing to pay US$100,000 monthly as fine.
He said they would try to stick to the $290 million initial budget for the redesign as well.
The proposed casino site near Denarau Island in Nadi yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA