The Fiji Sports Council confirms that there have been project delays with regard to the renovations of the Vodafone Arena in Laucala Bay and the arena will not reopen in April this year as earlier expected.
The council says it may look to reopen the arena by the first week of August this year.
Fiji Sports Council Chief Executive Officer Litiana Loabuka says following instructions provided by Project Contractors, Houng Lee Kaba Jacob Limited, reasons for the delay is due to a series of factors.
Construction work ongoing at the Vodafone Arena
Loabuka says they have been advised by HLK Jacob that there has been inconsistent local supply of steel and other key materials required for the project which has resulted in having to outsource these from abroad.
She says regrettably, these logistical arrangements are outside their control and in noting the domino effects it has on arena books, one of which is, the International Weightlifting World Junior Championship, they are working very closely with the Project Manager to resolve these matters.
HLK Jacob Project Manager, Shivneel Mishra has also advised that recent adverse weather conditions have significantly impacted concrete works and existing building roof replacement works while the lack of supply of materials is holding back overall progressions of works.
One of the major events affected by this delay is the International Weightlifting Federation Junior World Championship which will now be relocated to be held at the FMF Gymnasium in Laucala Bay from June 1st to 10th this year.
The Fiji Sports Council is also working on re‑scheduling with other event organizers who had events programmed during this period, working around FMF Gymnasium as an alternative venue.
Upon re‑opening later this year, the Vodafone Arena will have the likes of additional features which include two multi‑purpose indoor halls, new arena seating and new wooden indoor flooring in the main arena area.
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