A road worker from Tavua is calling on the Fijian government to intervene following the Fiji Roads Authority’s decision to notify New Zealand-based contractor Higgins to cease operations. Ashish Anand Sharma, who spoke at the Fijian Media Association Town Hall Meeting, expressed concern that this move could leave many laborers without jobs.
Sharma revealed that the workers were informed they have only 28 days left before they may be sent home, which places numerous families across Tavua, Rakiraki, Sigatoka, Lautoka, and Ba in a precarious situation, relying on these jobs to sustain their livelihood.
In light of the urgency of the situation, Sharma is appealing for the government to extend Higgins’ contract for an additional year. This request aligns with ongoing concerns about employment stability in Fiji, particularly within the construction sector, which has been under strain in recent months. Previously, it was reported that a significant number of employees at Fletcher Higgins – another major player in the industry – were also facing redundancy as the company dealt with ongoing difficulty in securing stable contracts with the Fiji Roads Authority.
Infrastructure Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau acknowledged the gravity of Sharma’s concerns and indicated that the situation will be reviewed. The issue has broad implications, affecting not just individual households but the overall economic stability of the regions reliant on construction and road maintenance activities.
As the construction sector grapples with contract negotiations and company viability, the hope remains that through government oversight and community support, a constructive solution can be reached. This approach aligns with wider calls for stability in employment for Fijian workers in the face of challenges, ensuring not just personal livelihoods but also supporting the resilience of the local economy.