project delayed

Fiji’s millennium project delayed

FIJI’S millennium pro ject at Udu Point, along the 180 meridian line on the island of Vanua Levu, has been delayed because the new Fiji Government is yet to endorse the project.

Project Manager, Adrian Roden burg said the former Government of Sitiveni Rabuka had given its full support. The project committee is waiting for the new Government to fulfill a Fs2 million (US$l.O2 mil lion) commitment by Rabuka to fund part of the millennium project.

Rodenburg said the Udu millen nium project, which involves the construction of national millennium monument along the 180 degrees meridian, is expected to cost around US$lO million.

He said a time wall on the merid ian walkway would contain 400 time capsules, where people can put their messages, souvenirs, pictures or other personal belongings that can be preserved for hundreds of years.

“For us this project will build a bond between buyers of the capsules and Fiji. For buyers it will be a lega cy for them and their descendants in years to come and also give them a reason to visit Fiji. It will be good for Fiji’s tourism,” Rodenburg said.

“Fiji’s millennium celebrations are based on something that is last ing and not just a big bash come midnight December 31,” he said.

Rodenburg said an American company is also interested in being part of the Fiji millennium celebra tions. The company is working on a millennium sculpture. They will work with clay tile to be individual-

The 180 meridian

right opposite

Greenwich is the one that runs through Fiji. As a result this is the line where every day starts and ends

ly painted by people and pasted together into the shape of some thing that represents the 21st centu ry.

Rodenburg has again reiterated Fiji’s claim to be the first to see the dawn of the 21st century.

“You know in 1884, there was a Meridian Conference in Washing ton where it was decided to give the 0 meridian to Greenwich near Lon don.

“The world was divided into 24 time zones and all these time zones are marked by meridians. The 180 meridian right opposite Greenwich is the one that runs through Fiji. As a result this is the line where every day starts and ends,” Rodenburg said.

“This is contrary to all other claims from New Zealand, Tonga and Kiribati, whose claims are based on the Dateline, which is not even a straight line,” Rodenburg said.

Fiji is one of the countries in the world hoping to boost its tourism revenue from the millennium cele brations.

A number of hotels are upgrad ing their services and tourists are advised to book in advance for the celebrations. PNS ■