Investors’ interest remains, says Koya

MINISTER for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Faiyaz Koya says the building and construction sector in Fiji is critical for growth in Fiji and the rest of the world.

In response to member of Parliament, Virendra Lal’s question about how the ministry was ensuring that building and construction materials imported or manufactured in Fiji were compliant to quality and safety standards, Mr Koya said the country’s building and construction sector was booming and employed thousands of Fijians.

“Despite the pandemic in 2020, we still have 1458 building permits to issue, which means investors’ interest in Fiji still remains,” he said.

“The Department of National Trade Measurements and Standards has developed relevant building materials standards which ensure that the building materials are actually fit for purpose and more importantly, fit for our conditions.”

Mr Koya said since Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston struck in 2016, the ministry was focused primarily on ways to ensure that the Fijian public and private sector were aware of the standards for building materials.

“We have worked hand in hand with stakeholders to look at how we can make buildings more resilient and, most importantly, more resilient to Category 5 cyclones.”

Despite the pandemic in 2020, we still have 1458 building permits to issue, which means investors interest in Fiji still remains Faiyaz Koya