Chinese here until March 2008

There are still 10 Chinese construction workers left on Rarotonga following the completion of the new Police Headquarters.
According to Police liaison officer Inspector John Strickland, they are here until 30 March 2008 to remedy any defective areas, faults or make repairs as required. This they have done said Strickland.
When the new Courthouse was completed a number of matters requiring attention presented themselves so the remaining workers will tend to any issues arising from the new Police HQ.
Still here are the Project Manager Mr Cheng Min, a translator and eight others. Previously accommodated at the old Courthouse, Strickland says they are now housed in the house across the road from the Central Motel. This house is also an Office for the Chinese Construction company. There is still some machinery stored at the old Courthouse however.
Strickland said there had been a late decision made to provide a canopy over the court yard in front of the building. Roofing and other materials are scheduled to arrive next month and the Chinese workers will do this job. The cost is being met by the Chinese.
New furniture for the Police is yet to come but Strickland said no decision has been made as yet on a timeframe for that.
Given the workers may not be fully occupied every day, Strickland said he would be seeking suitable “community work” for the workers to undertake. They will not be able to undertake paid work in the commercial sector.
This follows complaints from the public about Chinese workers being seen undertaking work on the building site of a new tourist resort in Muri. Chief Immigration Officer Tutai Toru intervened because the workers were kept behind for the specific purpose of maintaining the new Police building. He understands the workers are to be transferred to construction of the new Mini Games sports complex in about three months.
Toru said the Muri resort builders did not pay the Chinese in cash but in meals.
Earlier, an invitation had been extended to the Chinese to take part in a sporting event however this was declined by their management.

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