Te Tau Papa O Avarua project is progressing towards achieving several key milestones in stage one of the physical works.

This initiative is on track for commissioning in July, strategically timed to coincide with the 60^th Annual Constitution Celebrations. 

Te Tau Papa o Avarua Phase 1 Project (TTPAP1), is the town plan of infrastructure and landscaping activities that will be carried out in Rarotonga’s main central business district (CBD), between Avarua Wharf and the Rarotonga Airport.

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.

Phase one includes reorganisation of the Punanga Nui Market and development of facilities that will improve customer experience and service delivery from farmers, artisans and fishermen, and the beautification of the town centre and Panama Reserve.

Project manager, Alana Short, from the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC), said a big part of stage one entails construction and civil works in the Constitution Park and Taua Terevete area, including the new building named “Te Tāpora Kai” for farmers and craft vendors.

Te Tāpora Kai spans across 137 metres x 12m and is aimed at recreating the current market concept at the western carpark area, but under one covered large shelter. Katco Limited has been awarded this contract, and they have subcontracted local builder RVK Contractors Ltd (Keta Williams).

“The extensive sub-surface foundation work for the Farmers and Crafts Market has been successfully completed, and we’re now moving into the above-ground construction phase – the building is approximately 55 per cent complete, said Short.

She said the foundations for Te Tāpora Kai were specifically engineered to suit the reclaimed land it is built on and to withstand the impact of a category five cyclone.

“The design also took into account its close proximity to the coast,” Short explained.

“These robust foundations required significant time to complete, as expected and accounted for in the work programme.

“With this now finished, we’re moving on to the above-ground construction. So far, the contractor is progressing well and staying on track with our timelines.”

Short said practical completion of the new Maroro Hut located at the seaside is targeted for March however commissioning will be in July after surrounding civil and landscape works are completed.

The completion of the new bathroom facility standing next to the stage is also aimed for March and will open to the public earlier than the rest of the area.

“Further, the area will be fitted out with a new water main, upgrades to the markets electricity supply infrastructure, installation of subsurface drainage, new chip-seal accessways, and marked parking spaces,” Short said.

In town, the public bathroom across from the police station will be upgraded and beautification works in selected public spaces.

“Overall, the project is tracking positively, and we’re excited about the progress so far,” Short said.

“Civil and landscaping work will start in April through to July.”

Funding for this significant project is under the New Zealand Infrastructure Trust Fund (ITF).

“Inflation has always been, and continues to be, our biggest challenge,” Short said.

“We’ve managed this by adjusting the designs and scaling back the project scope to avoid cost overruns.

“Some of the ‘bells and whistles’ remain on our wish list, but we’ve focused on delivering the core infrastructure, including the three new buildings.”

There were some delays early in the project’s implementation, but progress has been steady since then.

“These delays were anticipated due to factors beyond our control, and we addressed them by making adjustments to our timelines and works programming,” said Short.

“As it stands, without any unforeseen disruptions, the project remains on track for commissioning of stage one in July.”

The second phase of the project, which is focused on reorganisation and upgrades within the central Punanga Nui Market, addressing pedestrian flow and accessibility and a walkway through the Panama Reserve, will commence soon after the closing of Te Maeva Nui 60^th Constitution Celebrations.