Construction work on the new $3.6million Savusavu market in Cakaudrove on Vanua Levu will now be completed in March next year.
The project was expected to be completed within 52 weeks since October 2022.
However, Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa said the project has been further delayed by 167 days because of the delayed release of funds and unfavourable weather conditions.
Mr Nalumisa said the Savusavu market would be the first to replicate a blue town in Fiji, and the co mpleted facility will benefit farmers, vendors, tourists and members of the public at large.
It is co-funded by the Government and UNWomen.
Savusavu market has been allocated $3.9m in this financial year for the completion of the market construction.
The new market will consist of 141 vendor stalls, some handicraft stalls, 5 SMEs kiosks; and the top floor will have a meeting room, kitchen, washrooms, SME vendors and stalls, three food outlets, and open spaces for future demands.
Of the $3.63m total cost of the upgrade, $2.5m has already been paid.
Mr Nalumisa said the structure was about 30 per cent complete and the building wa around 35 per cent complete.
