Work on the Westin Denarau Resort, a significant investment project owned by the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), has been paused due to contractual disputes between the involved parties. This halt was highlighted by Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya, who inquired about the situation during a session with the Minister for Finance, Esrom Immanuel.
Immanuel reassured Parliament that ongoing discussions are proceeding positively, and a resolution is anticipated soon, despite the temporary demobilization of construction activities caused by the disagreements. He clarified that the pause in work is attributed to differing views among the parties concerning project obligations.
The Westin development is entirely owned by FNPF via its subsidiary Turbo PTE Limited, with renovation efforts being undertaken by Fletcher Construction. This firm is structured as a joint venture, where Fletcher Construction New Zealand holds a 50 percent stake, and both FNPF and Fijian Holdings Limited each own 25 percent.
Currently, construction on the guestroom blocks is nearing completion, with expectations for practical completion by March 2026. A phased opening strategy is being contemplated to enable parts of the resort to open earlier, thereby generating revenue prior to the full launch.
In response to concerns raised by Koya regarding potential conflicts of interest due to FNPF’s ownership in both the hotel and the construction firm, Immanuel emphasized that negotiations are ongoing to seek an amicable solution that satisfies all stakeholders involved.
This situation occurs within a broader context of economic discussions in Fiji, as recent commentary from Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica points towards a projected $2 billion investment pipeline forthcoming in the country. Although setbacks like the Westin project halt are unfortunate, they highlight the complexities of large-scale developments while emphasizing a commitment to ensuring fair negotiation processes. The engagement from various stakeholders may ultimately lead to beneficial resolutions, reinforcing the resilience of Fiji’s investment environment.