The Ministry of Justice elevator (lift) project is on track for completion in August.

Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) general manager asset development Anne Taoro says the construction of Cook Islands’ first elevator is a seven months project.

Taoro said the construction of the elevator will be carried out by the local contractor, Landholdings Ltd while the supply, installation and commissioning will be done by a New Zealand supplier.

“The lift has a three-months manufacturing timeframe, plus an additional two-months for shipping,” Taoro said.

“Arrival is planned for June/July and commissioning in August. We are still on track for August completion.” 

Taoro said the lift shaft construction is a slow process to minimise disruptions to High Court sittings.

She adds the wet weather is further slowing progress.

“But we don’t at this time foresee any delays to the overall August completion.”

Taoro said the total cost will be around $530,000 once completed which includes designs, peer reviews, the shaft, lift and associated works, and a roof extension between the lift at the main entrance doors to the Ministry of Justice.

Secretary of Justice Tamatoa Jonassen said other works being done at the Justice building included the repair of the building’s perimeter wall.

The perimeter wall needed repair since Cyclone Meena in 2005.

The repair work started a week ago.