The $1.5 million Ratu Sukuna Park project should be completed by October this year, says Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa.

The project was launched in November 2020 by former Local Government Minister Premila Kumar, but actual work began in September, 2021.

Mrs Kumar had told the media that the delay was because of restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and that the project should be completed within the 2022-2023 financial year.

The then-Suva special administrator chair Isikeli Tikoduadua had said during the unveiling that the park would also provide recharge platforms, Wi-Fi and other electronic gadgets.

Former Local Government Ministry acting permanent secretary Shaheen Ali tweeted on April 2, 2022, that the park would also be safe for visitors with Wi-Fi connectivity and CCTV surveillance.

However, none of these eventuated and the park remained sealed off from the public.

On Saturday, February 26 the Suva City Council (SCC) Facebook page said the “facelift investment” by the council came about after they noticed that not a lot of people were using the park.

“Patron numbers have been noted to be all time low with 150 on average using the park during normal days – Monday to Wednesday – and slightly increasing during later part of the week before the decision to close,” it said.

It said that the park “was closed in 2022 for facelift” and since then, underground works which included the removal of multiple utilities facilities laid over the years and disconnected have been removed.

According to the post, storm water underground have been upgraded, utility facilities crossing the park and connecting to other parts are now placed on the master plan, park furniture’s have been removed and trees “surrounding improved”.

Next in the council’s plan is the construction of the podium “which will include change room, sound system, lights and control room with an upgraded front area for patrons”.

“Hardscaping and landscaping with effective lights, environmentally-friendly park furniture and connecting walkways.

“Greenery and the park identity to be well-reflected in this exercise.”

Mr Nalumisa said “you should be able to have a new Sukuna Park by October this year”.