Friday, November 23, 2012
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Fiji Sports Council chief executive officer Litiana Loabuka, left, and chairman Peter Mazey on their way to 2013 National Budget address at the FIRCA complex in Suva yesterday. Picture: ATU RASEA
THE Fiji Sports Council (FSC) will use the $4.2 million allocated to it by the government in the 2013 budget to complete upgrading works at National Stadium in Suva.
The council, which recorded an increase of $1.2m from this year's budget, exceeded their National Stadium upgrade project budget by $2.5m.
FSC chief executive officer Litiana Loabuka thanked the government for the significant increase in the budget.
"We had budgeted $15m for the stadium project and we have actually exceeded our budget by $2.5m in what we have achieved so far," she said.
"This is due to unforeseen costs due to the extensive damage that was only apparent once we had kicked off the project.
"Legal costs and other contractors' costs have contributed to this excess as well. The remainder of FSC's allocation will go towards the completion of the project proper and that is the completion of the seating structure for the existing embankment."
Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, while announcing the 2013 National Budget in Suva yesterday, said the upgrading of the National Stadium was vital in bringing international matches to Fiji.
He said the budget would help the FSC to upgrade the National Stadium to international standards.
"Once completed, the National Stadium will enhance Fiji's ability to bid for and host regional and international sporting events," Bainimarama said.
"This will develop sports tourism."
Meanwhile, Loabuka congratulated the government on the successful 2013 budget.
"This budget has touched the heart of every citizen by allocating $420m to Fiji Roads Authority, amongst other things," she said.
"It says a lot about how relentless our government is about fixing this ongoing issue and that is the roads."
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