The new Fiji I have returned to is a different place. Aside from the reminders in the daily papers of the skills migration, drug crisis and the ever-present geopolitical tensions in the region, there are areas that are making noticeable strides and areas that are still lagging. I have expanded below on the key issues in Fiji from an Engineer’s perspective and touched on some innovative solutions, current challenges and opportunities that are critical for the infrastructure development, business and trade.
Fiji Building & Construction Industry Trends
– Positive Shift in Infrastructure Focus
This is an exciting time to be an engineer working in Fiji. The Fiji Government remains wedded to the idea of better infrastructure as a key platform to improve economic performance; productivity; and to spread wealth around the country. This year alone has seen a shift by infrastructure authorities in finalizing their vision and strategies for their respective organizations. Examples include; the Water Authority of Fiji launching its Water Sector Strategy 2050 in April this year, Fiji Airports kickstarting execution of their long-term strategic plan (previously delayed by COVID in 2020), Fiji Ports Ltd continuing with their strategy and looking to relocate the Port of Suva, and most recently in August, the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) launching their Strategic Plan.
– Proactive steps by Governments, Development Partners & Private Sector
What is visible from the public viewpoint is that there is active participation and cooperation between the Fiji Government, foreign governments and development partners. This fosters greater collaboration in the infrastructure space, wherein development partners and supportive countries are working in partnership with Fiji and Pacific Island governments to further grow the trade and investment relationship towards sustainable infrastructure development in the Pacific. Since relocating to Fiji, in the last 6 months, I have attended four conferences in Fiji – all with the underlying theme of supporting infrastructure development. Similar efforts are observed in the Business Councils in Fiji, recognizing Fiji’s role as a Pacific region leader. A key outcome of this cooperation and collaboration is the increased visibility of the public procurement opportunities in Fiji and the wider Pacific. For the private sector (consultants, constructors, suppliers etc.) having clear visibility on pipeline projects, provides business and investment confidence and certainty.
– Climate Change & Sustainability
Pacific leaders are grappling with the single greatest threat to the Pacific: Climate Change. Natural disasters (cyclones, tsunamis, droughts etc.) are nothing new to the Pacific but in this new age, the increased frequency and intensity is having a profound impact on Pacific Islanders. Fiji is no different and recent experience from Cyclone Winston was a stark reminder of this threat. What is reassuring is the recognition of the importance of sustainability by the Fiji Government, development partners (and supportive governments) and a commitment towards sustainable development. Given the fact that Pacific countries are at the frontline and disproportionately affected by climate change, it is imperative that improved or newly-built infrastructure are future-proofed and resilient in the face of climate change, natural disasters, and increasing extreme weather events.
– Growing Tourism Market
The latest figures in the Investment Fiji website states: The Tourism Industry in Fiji is largely regarded as an important driver for the Fijian economy. In 2019, approximately 894,389 visitors spent FJD $2.1 billion in Fiji across an estimated 1,200 businesses. The tourism sector employs approximately 119,000 Fijians and contributes above 40% of Fiji’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). With its pristine blue waters and friendly people, Fiji is a magnet for tourism. The tourism industry in Fiji has rebounded a lot quicker than expected from COVID. Tourism is a multifaceted industry with direct links to infrastructure. In response to this growth, there is a need for more hotels and the need for infrastructure has increased (i.e., airports etc.). The Fiji Government with support from the World Bank is supporting sustainable tourism development in Vanua Levu, the northern island of Fiji. The Ministry of Trade, Co operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises website states that “this is expected to generate significant environmental benefits from its focus on resilient tourism infrastructure development, investment in nature-based tourism attractions, and the promotion and management of protected areas”. This will help stimulate other infrastructure development for the northern island.
– Local Content
The Fiji Government and development partners are looking to increase local representation and participation across the broad spectrum of infrastructure stakeholders (consultants, contractors, suppliers etc.). This was echoed at the ADB Pacific Infrastructure Business Opportunities Seminar held in Nadi, in May this year. This initiative to upskill the capability of the local workforce and to build local capacity. A successful tried and tested model which contributes to building local capacity is the
Erasito Beca partnership. Beca together with Fiji in-country partner Erasito Consultants provide a service offering combination of international and national experts. Erasito Consultants provide local experts, knowledge of the Fiji consulting and construction industries, and local skills and resources. Beca is New Zealand’s largest employee-owned engineering and related consultancy services group (approx. +4000 employees) provide specialist and additional resources to complement the Erasito
team. This Erasito Beca partnership has been in operation for just under 30 years now.
Innovation the Enabler
The emerging trend in the previous section depicts a significant growth picture in the Building and Construction industry together with corresponding industries such as Tourism. To effectively respond to this significant growth and change, we can’t keep doing the things that worked before and we need to do things better than we did before.
– Digital Future
The future is digital, and if we fail to embrace digital, we will be left behind. In the international construction industry, both consultants and constructors have taken up digital delivery in a big way. Building Information Modelling (BIM) and 3D modelling are now commonplace from design delivery through to post construction, operational and maintenance of assets. Digital twins and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are also gaining momentum. An example of Beca’s significant digital investment is in cutting-edge AI enabled drones used to inspect bridges which allows for safer and more efficient inspections.
– Renewable Energy is the Way to Go
The dependence on fossil fuels needs to be reduced and the challenge is to eventually phase out.
– Proactive Engagement with Universities
More collaboration with universities to undertake research and study to help with developing some of the innovative solutions that can be leveraged for sustainable development work. I recently presented to the engineering students at the University of the South Pacific. I noted that the Civil Engineering department was exploring Nature-based Solutions for coastal adaptation work. Regional development partners are undertaking similar work. Closer collaboration between all these various organizations
provides mutual benefit both to the University and its research, and for better outcomes and solutions for the wider Building and Construction industry.
– Considering Climate Change Risks Upfront
Considering climate change and related risks early in the strategic planning process can help secure financing from development partners. All parties should think ahead and take into consideration the needs associated with climate change, such as risks of drought, inland flooding, landslides, sea levels rising etc.
– Easy Win
An easy win to cutting emissions in cities is to build or incorporate more cycleways in and around cities – and guess what, by doing so, you not only help with emissions reduction but you also keep people healthy! The cycleway along the Nasese foreshore is a good start, but we need to make Fiji bike-friendly for the local population. Electric bicycles have gained popularity overseas, being used by commuters to avoid traffic and by senior citizens in society to enhance mobility and stay active. The modern electric bikes are fast and reliable. It’s probably no coincidence that the design of the Nasese road and cycleway was undertaken by Erasito Beca.
Challenges
– The Mass Exodus of Skilled People from Fiji is impacting the Building and Construction industry and in turn infrastructure development.
– Investment in Asset Maintenance. Fiji has aging infrastructure and, when the impacts of climate change are overlaid, the costs of maintaining infrastructure are only going to increase.
– Quality of Design, Construction and Material Supply. Ensuring that projects are delivered to the highest quality standards will enable resilience and longevity of the infrastructure.
– Lack of Quality (continuous) and Quantity in Energy supply, there is an awareness and recognition of this challenge and the government and the energy sector is taking measures to respond.
– Procurement Challenges, need to revamp this to have consultant, contractor and supplier confidence and clarity in pipeline of works.
– Leadership Disruptions. Key leadership change in an organization or a change in government tends to stall large-scale infrastructure development. With the incoming new leadership, there is an initial period of understanding; re-prioritizing and resetting with inherent delays.
Opportunities
– With the buoyancy and positive outlook for the Infrastructure sector comes competing strategic priorities for respective infrastructure authorities. Given the interdependent nature of the various infrastructure authorities and other key stakeholders, cross-collaboration at a national level is essential to agree priorities. Going one step further – regularly reviewing and re-assessing priorities at a national level and reprioritizing (if necessary) is imperative.
– Retention of our skilled workers is key to supporting Fiji’s growth. In order to do this, having the right environment for professionals to thrive in is important. Straight out of university or technical institutions, young professionals are focused on getting good work experience and training. Ensuring that the Building and Construction industry can support this through internships or cadetships is a crucial first step.
– We can’t ebb the flow of migrating professionals so an option is encouraging the development of the next generation of Engineers, Architects, Scientists via a targeted Science Technology Engineering &
Mathematics (STEM) educational program through the school education system. Similarly, support and development of the tertiary institutions is key in developing the trades (carpentry, plumbing, electricians etc.).
– Support and backing to strengthen institutions such as Engineers Fiji, the Fiji Association of Architects (FAA), the Construction Industry Council (CIC) and the Fiji Building Designers Association. The membership of these associations represent the majority of the Building and Construction industry. They are dedicated to the advancement of their professions and upholding the quality of design and construction. They are the backbone of the Construction and Building industry and set the platform for training and skills development programmes; professional accreditation; industry standards and quality assurance; ethical conduct, good governance and professionalism.
– Encourage the people of the Pacific to return to their country of origin and bring their experience and skills. With the current downturn in the Australian and New Zealand economies, now is the time to encourage the return of skilled people to Fiji. With a significant Pacifica population in New Zealand, Beca has recognized this as a great opportunity to link their Pacifica staff, passionate about returning to their island nations – I’m a returning Fiji citizen that is part of this initiative.
– At the recent Fiji Australia Business Council conference held in Suva last month, Fiji’s geographical location as the Hub of the Pacific status was recognized as strategic and crucial in enabling trade and development. The Ports and Airports are the gateways to Fiji and the wider Pacific.
– The challenge for the long-term National and Strategic plans with timelines over 10–30 years is maintaining continuity – especially with governments tied to a 4-year term. Engagement and political support from the ruling, opposition parties and other major parties is key as it helps all parties agree on a clear plan that is beneficial for Fiji.
– Electric bicycles were noted earlier, is there an opportunity to go one step further and consider electrifying our bus fleets? Imagine not having to sit through the exhaust fumes at the bus stand whilst waiting for your bus.
Beca is no stranger to Fiji, and has been operating in Fiji for approximately 40 years. With involvement in early projects such as the Nadi Airport Main Runway Rehabilitation and the multistorey Reserve Bank building in the 1980s to the design of the new Rewa Bridge in early 2000s. In partnership with Erasito Consultants, Beca have been involved in the Seismic Strengthening & Rehabilitation of the Kings Wharf, Bua Bay Integrated Port, Vaturu Nagado Pipeline, Kashmir Reservoir to name just a few projects. Beca works across various markets ranging from Transport & Infrastructure to Power & Energy and provide services such as Climate Change and Decarbonisation Planning amongst others.
Prior to his Fiji transition, Vincent was the section manager of the Beca Auckland Civil Structures team for 5 years. The 50-plus team were responsible for bridges, wharfs, tunnels and other horizontal infrastructure. Vincent is also passionate about the development of Pacifica engineers and is a past president and member of the South Pacific Professional Engineering Excellence (SPPEEx) group. Having worked overseas, primarily in New Zealand with stints in Australia and Europe, returning to his homeland was always on the table.
Contact Vincent on vincent.lobendahn@beca.com if you need assistance with your projects in Fiji or visit Beca’s website www.beca.com to understand the range of services that Beca offers.
