Despite delays due to procurement and supply chain issues, construction on Te Tau Papa o Avarua Phase 1 Project will begin by the end of June and will focus on improvements to the Punanga Nui Market, Panama Reserve and Avarua Township.

Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) is overseeing management of Te Tau Papa o Avarua Phase 1 Project, which will be completed in two stages at an approximate cost of $7.6 million.

It will serve as part of the larger 20-to-30-year plan (Te Tau Papa o Avarua - Avarua Town Plan), funded by Cook Islands Infrastructure Trust Fund (ITF).

There have been unexpected setbacks that have resulted in significant start delays, works are set to finally begin on stage 1 of Te Tau Papa o Avarua Phase 1 Project before the end of the month.  

CIIC chief executive Allan Jensen acknowledges that while it is disappointing that it has taken so long to get to this stage of commencing building construction, people can expect to see significant progress in the coming weeks.

“We were hoping to have started earlier in the year, though more lengthy procurement implications resulted in delays, and now delays with supply chain matters, we are hopeful to start by the end of June,” he says.

Phase 1 will address the immediate steps towards achieving a number of objectives within the Panama Reserve, Punanga Nui Market and Avarua Township.

These include reorganisation of the Punanga Nui Market and development of facilities that will enhance customer experience and service delivery from farmers, providers of arts and crafts, fishermen, beautification of green spaces throughout the Avarua Township vicinity and beautification of the Panama Reserve.

Stage 1 of the market reorganisation plan required successful completion of the plans that are now confirmed for Terevete Park.

The staged works programme will also ensure there is a new premise for vendors to move into before it is time to vacate the current one.

Construction at Terevete Park will begin with Te Tapora Kai, which is expected to take eight months to complete.

Further developments at Terevete Park will progress significantly in the coming months, Jensen says.

The contract to build Te Tapora Kai has been awarded to Katco Limited, who are subcontracting local builder RVK Contractors Ltd (Keta Williams).

Alana Short, project manager, said: “Te Tapora Kai will span 137metre x 12m aimed at recreating the current concept experienced at the Western carpark however under one large shelter. Vendors will be setup on either side of the building with customers browsing through the middle. During the week patrons will still be able to drive-by and access these stalls with parking in close vicinity.”

For the PNM Maroro Hut and Terevete Toilet, the final design contract has been awarded to KDE and is expected to take two months.

Short said “the new Maroro Hut will be located at the shoreside of Terevete and will replace the current operation at the Western entrance. A toilet block will be built alongside the Terevete pavilion to service the new layout and any special events held in the area.”

Short further added that “the Maroro Hut designs have been refined with key feedback received from maroro vendors.  Approval of the successful tenderer to carry out the construction of these two buildings is expected to be finalised by August, at which time we should be in a position to swiftly move into construction commencement of these two buildings”.

Jensen expressed sincere thanks to vendors and members of the public for their patience.

• Jaewynn McKay/CIIC