Work on the Black Rock training facility in Nadi is expected to begin in the next two months.

The regional facility is funded through the Fiji-Australia Defence Cooperation Program.

This has been confirmed by Defense Minister Inia Seruiratu adding that his Ministry is now looking at the overall design of the Black Rock project.

Seruiratu has acknowledged the Australian government for selecting a local engineering company – GHD engineers to design the project, of which 50 percent of it is ready and will be presented next month.

“The intention is for us to commence construction in April based on the work that’s already undertaken by the consultancy firm doing the engineering work with the construction and allow the engineers and technical team to continue with the rest of the scoping and technical work for the completion of the entire project.”

Seruiratu says the project is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

The Minister adds the facility will not only be utilised for peacekeeping services but for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster relief training as well.

He says the Black Rock project will also benefit police training.