The construction of New World’s storage and distribution centre in Wairabetia in Lautoka will create employment for about 500 people.
New World PTE Ltd chief operations officer Peter Royce said the construction work was set to begin next year. He said the two-year project would be carried out in two phases.
Mr Royce said the $30 million complex would consist of a distribution center complete with fresh and frozen facilities.
“Our corporate offices which are currently split between Suva and Ba will be consolidated into one space with a training facility and catering facility that will be used for in-house and outsourcing externally,” he said.
Project manager Mosese Koto said the construction of the new facility would have a ripple effect on the suppliers and as well the people as a whole.
“The construction will employ at least 500 people but there is a ripple effect, the supplier, the paint supplier so more people will continue to be employed because of such developments. “So the overall budget is $110m but we will continue with the first phase,” Mr Koto said.
The project is one of the 10 major development projects which have been approved by the Department of Town and Country Planning.
The facility is expected to be completed by 2023.
Mosese Koto, NewWorld representative Peter Royce and Minister for Local Government, Housing and Community Development Premila Kumar during a press conference. Picture: JONA KONATACI