The previously troubled Momi Bay Resort project in Nadi has been brought back to life seven years after it closed down.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has re-launched the project after the government invested $199 million to revive it.

”We are breathing new life into the partially-built complex that had come to resemble a ghost town. And all is now on track for a spectacular opening in two years’ time.”

New Zealand developers Matapo Limited started construction at Momi in 2004.

Three years later, the New Zealand developers plunged into financial turmoil.

Bainimarama has acknowledged the failure adding it is a lesson learnt about ensuring there is quality partnership in such ventures.

”Today, we draw a line under that failure and celebrate a remarkable turnaround in the fortunes of this project, just as we celebrate the revival of the fortunes of our nation – a booming economy and our new and vibrant democracy.”

The property will be managed by internationally renowned Marriott Hotels says Marriott executive James Doolan.

”Marriott likes to make long term partnerships and long term commitments we not here for the short term we here for the long term success of this project.”

Fletcher Buildings Fiji Limited will build the new resort over the next twenty four months.

And the company’s General Manager South Pacific, Allan Brown knows it will not be easy.

”It’s a challenge to come into a site that has already got structures that has sat in the salt water been through cyclones the challenge is the brown field site and bring it up as though we have built it from scratch.”

The Fiji National Provident Fund – owners of the property have confirmed the start of the re-development this year was delayed by a few months.

The resort will have 250 guest rooms including some spectacular over-water bungalows when it opens for business in 2016.