The Fiji Occasions » Again in historical past: First for Fiji

Taveuni, dubbed the hidden paradise of Fiji, is an attractive island off the coast of Vanua Levu.

An article printed by The Fiji Occasions on December 16, 1982 reported work on a 102-unit condominium, the primary of its sort in Fiji, was progressing effectively on the Soqulu Plantation on Taveuni About $1.5 million value of development work had already gone into the 60-unit first stage of the event which started in March.

The entire undertaking was estimated to value $5 million. And 52 of the models below development have been purchased at a mean promoting value of $US120,000 ($F268,000). Consumers have been North People, Australians and South East Asians, in accordance with undertaking supervisor Mr Ralph Grierson.

“The value is reasonable by Hawaiian requirements, nearly half the associated fee,” Mr Grierson mentioned.

He mentioned the builders, Soqulu Condominium Ltd, have been an impartial Hong Kong-based actual property growth firm with its gross sales workplaces or appointed brokers in all market areas.

Mr Grierson mentioned Soqulu Condominium was utterly separate from Soqulu Plantation Ltd, the builders of the 3500-acre Soqulu Plantation.

“Many individuals mistake the 2 firms as the identical,” he mentioned.

The condominium website was roughly seven acres of absolute waterfront and gently terraced land. Each townhouse (unit) would overlook the Somosomo Strait, which is world famend for scuba diving and large sport fishing.

The location was additionally bounded on three sides by a longtime golf course, clubhouse with eating and bar amenities, garden bowls, swimming pool, tennis courts, boat ramps, fuel station and a common retailer.

Mr Grierson mentioned all these amenities had been accomplished and purchasers of the townhouses would have entry to them.

Squash courts would even be added, he mentioned.

Mr Grierson mentioned as a part of the acquisition costs each townhouse could be totally furnished. Furnishings have been to incorporate from lounge, eating room, kitchen and bed room gear to crockery and linen gadgets in extra of $12,000.

He mentioned the acquisition value additionally included an inspection journey to the location.

“Many patrons have at some stage come to see the heaps they usually have been more than happy with the event.”

The 52 models have been deliberate to be accomplished by the tip of 1983.

DC and Allied Enterprises Ltd, who accomplished 20km of excessive customary sealed roads, bordered with concrete drains and winding via the 865 heaps on the plantation resort, have been additionally the builders of the condominium undertaking.

Its architects have been Murray Cockburn Partnership established in Fiji.

The architect agency was concerned in all areas of architectural constructing in Fiji, New Zealand and the South Pacific. About 30 employees, largely from Suva, have been employed on the website and the labour power was to extend to 50 after Christmas, Mr Grierson mentioned.

“Most likely each second day someone flies to Taveuni in reference to the undertaking.”

He mentioned the air service was inferior to it ought to be.

“Sometimes we do have issues of securing seats and reservations for flights. When the undertaking is accomplished and extra individuals journey to Taveuni, the air providers has received to enhance.”

Mr Grierson was not a newcomer Fiji. As knowledgeable surveyor engineer and city planner, he was related to Fiji since 1962.

Aside from being concerned with the condominium undertaking, Mr Grier’s son was additionally busy creating golf programs in Malaysia. Japan and Hong Kong.

Mr Grierson mentioned individuals who had purchased the models at Soqulu would even be inspired to nominate an ongoing administration firm to keep up and lease the models.

He mentioned Soqulu Comdominium Ltd was additionally investigating a 80-room resort com