Construction Slow This Year: Jenkins
However, Mr Jenkins said once things become more relaxed, there might be a great surge in the amount of work which may lead to an increase in the prices of raw material.
“Majority of construction materials are imported and they will increase.”
Mr Jenkins said it’s called imported inflation for instance if they were bringing in door locks or other materials from Australia, whatever the price was in Australia that’s going to be transferred here.
Challenges Unskilled labor
Mr Jenkins highlighted unskilled labor was a challenging factor within the construction industry.
“Lack of skilled workers is a huge setback where workers turn up to site with no proper knowledge.”
He said the development of onsite training was a stepping point for the industry to improve the skills for individuals in construction sites.
Shortage of supplies
He echoed his concern about the sector’s prospects amid fears that the shortage of supplies could halt the industry in the next 12 months.
“We haven’t been hit yet, but we’re at the sharp end,” he said.
“We’re going to really feel but in the future.”
“If you’re going to build, build now while there is a product available; if you wait six months, the price will keep going up.”
“Already, the cost of building a house is up 50 per cent of its previous cost; and it’s going to get worse supply chain challenges and crippling freight costs are part of the undertow that threatens the industry,” Mr Jenkins said. it not now,
Looking ahead
The council is aiming to review the building code.
According to Mr Jenkins proper procedure has not been done and in 20 years’ time a lot of things will change.
“We are not trying to stop people from earning a living however, the council demands builders and contractors to carry out their work properly as this would create less friction between owners and developers.”
FHL Tower
Mr Jenkins said they were expecting the completion of the 18-storey Fijian Holdings Limited (FHL) Tower by 2023.
The tower was scheduled to open in March this year, however, good progress has been noted with the pace of construction since late November, 2020.
Mr Jenkins said , materials and manpower were the main reason for the delays in construction.