The Ratu Cakobau House officially reopened today, nearly a year after it closed for renovations, marking a significant step towards fulfilling the vision of Tailevu’s high chiefs to establish businesses that would ease the financial burden on their people.
Chairman of Tailevu Holdings Company Pte Limited (THCL), Malakai Naiyaga, said the project is a step towards economic self-sufficiency for the province.
“We will achieve this vision once we fulfill the original aspirations of the high chiefs of Tailevu,” he said.
Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who officiated at the reopening, hailed the refurbishment as a symbol of strength and resilience.
“We are the descendants of brave people. Do not think that we are weak. Let us support each other so that the young ones growing up can be empowered to take our place,” he said.
Rabuka also highlighted the importance of preserving traditional values while embracing modernisation.
“There is a need to strengthen and reinforce our traditional structures and revive long-standing plans while incorporating modern approaches to ensure our continued progress and improve the lives of the iTaukei people in Fiji.”
Built in 1985 through funds raised by the women of Tailevu, the newly refurbished building now features modernised office spaces, lift access, a fire escape, and expanded retail areas on the ground floor.
Naiyaga said the total cost of the renovation amounted to $3.8 million, including $1 million allocated for compliance measures, including Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements.
The redevelopment was financed through BSP Bank, with additional government support through a $3 million concessional loan facilitated by the Fiji Development Bank (FDB). Naiyaga acknowledged the role of the government in backing the project.
“We are grateful for the government’s significant support in securing Tailevu’s access to the provincial company financing facility, which was approved in the last national budget,” he said.
The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) also granted tax-free status to Ratu Cakobau House. With the redevelopment now complete, rental operations are expected to begin later this month, with the Tailevu and Naitasiri Provincial Offices occupying the top floor.
Tailevu Holdings currently operates in two key sectors:
- Property management, overseeing Ratu Cakobau House, Tailevu House and River House near Nausori bridge.
- Milk distribution, with trucks operating under Fiji Cooperative Dairy (Rewa Dairy).
As Tailevu Holdings continues to expand its property and business portfolio, Naiyaga reaffirmed the company’s commitment to empowering the people of the Vanua o Tailevu.
“Today is a joyful day, marking a promising future ahead,” he said.
