Resort done ahead of schedule, Mano says

 THE Pearl Resort has been completed two months ahead of schedule and within budget, Mineral Resources Development Company managing director Augustine Mano says.

Mano said the F$85 million (about K107) project was 50 per cent financed by Bank South Pacific.

“I would commend the contractor PBS and the talented local workers and subcontractors for early completion,” he said.

“All this was made possible because of the unwavering support from the Fiji government and the provision of fiscal concessions and other incentives.

“It took six months to construct the marina and 18 months to construct 132 rooms, fine dining restaurant, 400-seat conference facilities, spa and a chapel.

“During construction, we saw 300 workers directly employed and many more indirectly through subcontractors and suppliers. Currently, the resort employs 134 local employees, only two expatriates. After commissioning and full operation, it will add another 70 more jobs.

“Outside of the normal hotel business, we have for the past three years been proud to be the mains sponsor for the Fiji national netball team, Fiji Pearls.

“The successful completion of the Pearl Resort has given MRDC the confidence and impetus to be a developer. Just last week, we launched our F$800 million hotel in Port Moresby.”