On Saturday, July 4, 1998, The Fiji Times reported on an incident in which the police had to be called to disperse villagers from the fence of the newly-built Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka Town, Nadroga.
The villagers were attracted by the brightness of the new state-of-the-art flood lights at the park.
The then Sigatoka Town Council’s operations manager, John Smith, said he didn’t blame the people for being excited as they were the “best lights in the country”.
Yavulo villager Sisi Vunivalu said the lights lit up the whole town and surrounding areas.
“We don’t need to have lights on in the streets because those four flood lights turned the whole place into day,” Mr Vunivalu said.
“People just cheered and ran onto the park when the lights came on — everyone was excited.
“Even the other night, only one light was on, and those on the second ground continued training because it was bright enough.”
The $3.2million complex was opened on Wednesday, July 8, 1998, by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
It was the centre of attraction despite not being completed, with people walking into the stadium for a feel of the environment.
Osea Ravonoloa, of Bemana Village in the Sigatoka Valley, thought the new stadium was bigger than the Suva complex.
“This stadium is bigger and better than the one in Suva because you get a better view of what is going on in the field,” Mr Ravonoloa said.
All public conveniences were closed at the complex because there was no water, but Nadroga rugby colts training on Ground II did not mind.
They waved to the Public Works Department vehicle sprinkling water on the green with their thumbs up. They charged for the fence when they had wanted to relieve themselves.
Sports Minister Jonetani Kaukimoce was to commission the lights on Tuesday, the day before the opening.
According to Sigatoka Mayor Joveci Bolawaqatabu, the new complex was the biggest drawcard for tourism and businesses in Sigatoka.
“We now boast the best sports set-up in the country because we have an international standard sports facility and hotels to accommodate the number that may attract any sports event,” Mr Bolawaqatabu said.
“As hotels and businesses benefit, more employment will be created.”
