A road worker from Tavua has urged the Fijian government to intervene after the Fiji Roads Authority notified New Zealand-based contractor Higgins to halt operations. Ashish Anand Sharma attended the Fijian Media Association Town Hall Meeting, where he expressed his concern that this decision could leave many workers without jobs.
Sharma disclosed that workers have been informed they only have 28 days before potentially being dismissed, which places many families in Tavua, Rakiraki, Sigatoka, Lautoka, and Ba in a vulnerable situation as they rely on these jobs for their livelihoods.
In response to this urgent matter, Sharma is appealing for the government to extend Higgins’ contract for another year. This request comes amid ongoing worries about job stability in Fiji, particularly in the construction industry facing difficulties recently. Previously, reports indicated that a considerable number of employees at Fletcher Higgins, another significant company in the sector, were also at risk of redundancy due to challenges in securing stable contracts with the Fiji Roads Authority.
Infrastructure Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau acknowledged Sharma’s concerns, confirming that the situation will be assessed. The implications of this issue extend beyond individual households, impacting the overall economic stability of regions that depend on construction and road maintenance.
As the construction sector navigates contract negotiations and seeks viability, there remains hope that through government oversight and community support, a positive resolution will emerge. This cooperative approach aligns with broader calls for job stability for Fijian workers, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding personal livelihoods while bolstering the resilience of the local economy.