In a phone interview Tuesday, Augustine Mesebeluu, a member of the Melekeok Investment and Finance Authority (MIFA), disclosed that the state government, its land authority and MIFA, which is the economic arm of the State, is set to give the go signal to the company that will undertake the project.
A Palauan-Chinese-American consortium is behind the project.
“We are on the final stage of the review process. The notice to proceed will be given to the company anytime soon. Project could start early next year,” he said.
Mesebeluu disclosed that the centerpiece of the project, which will be known as the Palau National Golf Course, will be an 18-hole golf course designed by world-famous golfer Jack Nicklaus.
He said the golf course will cover 100 hectares of an area around the national capitol at Ngerulmud.
Aside from the golf course, a driving range, golf school, pro shop and golf clubhouse with a bar and restaurant will also be built in the area.
Projected cost for the project is $8 million. Of the amount, $ 3 million will come from the Development Bank of Palau. The remaining balance will be raised from outside investors in Europe and Asia.
The project is expected to be completed in two years time.
Mesebeluu said that he is happy that Melekeok State was chosen as the site of the multi-million project.
“More investors will be coming, more people will be employed, and more businesses like restaurants and stores are expected to open around the area once the golf course will be finished. The project will bring development not only to Melekeok, but also to the other parts of the country,” he stressed.
