Commuters travelling on the Kings highway will find a new Pacific Energy service station at Nalawa, Ra by July this year.
Rakiraki businessman George Shiu Raj in investing $2 million into the project which was blessed by chiefs of the area yesterday at a groundbreaking ceremony.
Mr Raj has leased the land from mataqali Waimaro of Burenitu Village with a promise that he will employ people from the area at the service station.
“I got into business about 12 years ago here and never ever has any member of the mataqali come and tried to stop any development in this area.
“This mataqali is for development and I can say this Nalawa area will be the next town in Fiji,” he said.
The service station will have 11 pumps and installation costs of all piping will be borne by Pacific Energy.
“We are proud to have entered into a partnership with Mr George Shiu Raj,” said company chief marketing officer Rajnesh Prasad.
“Once complete, this will be the only service station between Tailevu and Rakiraki and we are proud we will have a rural presence in this part of the country.”
Under One Roof Contractor has been given the contract to build the service station.
