Construction Industry Plays Key Role in socio-economic development of country: Kumar
The growth in the construction industry has seen an increase in employment opportunities.
However, hiring of local workers by companies abroad has resulted in a shortage of skilled workers in the industry.
Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Premila Kumar revealed this while opening the second Construction Industry Council Trade Show at the Suva’s Grand Pacific Hotel last night.
Mrs Kumar said the sudden demand and the shortage of skilled workers must be seen as an opportunity for the educational institutions to provide training for the workforce.
“This will ensure that the construction industry is able to cater for the demand of skilled workers at all times,” Mrs Kumar said. “Construction plays a key role in the socio-economic development of any country.
“It is through construction that critical infrastructure like roads, bridges, ports and other basic amenities are made available to the people.
“It contributes greatly in our economic growth and one that is investment-led. “According to the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, the total number of building permit applications approved in 2017, stood at 1,618 with a monetary value of $353 million.
“In 2018 no of building permit applications increased to 1,725 with a value of $370 million, out of which 48 per cent was received from the Western division, 37 per cent from the Central Division and 15 per cent from the North division.”
She said the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) recorded 273 applications for the first quarter of 2019 with a value of $231 million.
“In the last quarter of 2018, DTCP received 430 applications with a value of $70.9 million.”
Housing demand
Mrs Kumar added that the demand for houses has increased, as more people find employment, enabling them to qualify for housing loans and housing grants.
“As the number of houses increases, the number of businesses established along these densely populated areas also increases, as they look to accommodate the daily needs of the community.”
Standards
In addition, the Ministry has reviewed and put in place new building materials standards, such as roofing sheets and is working on the review of the reinforcement steel standards and wind loads for housing.
“The standards on wind loads for housing, or AS 4055-2012 is crucial for Fiji’s building and construction industry.
“It will guide builders, designers and building materials manufacturers in Fiji to design and construct buildings and building materials that are resilient and able to withstand category 5 cyclones. “This standard is set to be adopted soon.”
She said the Ministry would be taking the construction permit approval processes entirely online, with extensive work scheduled in the next financial year to prepare for that transition.
Theme
Mrs Kumar said the theme “Building Solutions that Work” is pertinent as it addresses key concerns in the construction industry today. “It explores means of doing work easily, quickly while ensuring cost effectiveness and efficiency. “With the continuing growth and evolution of the construction industry, you will agree that the companies must stay up-to-date if they want to remain relevant with changing times.”
She said during her inspection of the exhibition stalls, she has seen equipment and materials on display that would increase efficiency.
“I hope construction project planners, designers and implementers will incorporate these innovations in their methods and approach to work.”
She thanked the CIC for hosting the event, where experts and regulators can share ideas, exchange experiences and deliberate on issues facing the construction industry.