Page 28 - IB September 2024

Making everyday better in the Pacific: Insights • Considering Climate Change Risks Upfront • We can’t ebb the flow of migrating professionals so an option is
encouraging the development of the next generation of Engineers,
Considering climate change and related risks early in the strategic
planning process can help secure financing from development partners. Architects, Scientists via a targeted Science Technology Engineering &
into Fiji’s Building & Construction Industry All parties should think ahead and take into consideration the needs Mathematics (STEM) educational program through the school education
system. Similarly, support and development of the tertiary institutions is
associated with climate change, such as risks of drought, inland flooding,
landslides, sea levels rising etc. key in developing the trades (carpentry, plumbing, electricians etc.).
The new Fiji I have returned to is a different place. Aside from the environmental benefits from its focus on resilient tourism infrastructure
reminders in the daily papers of the skills migration, drug crisis and the development, investment in nature-based tourism attractions, and the • Easy Win • Support and backing to strengthen institutions such as Engineers Fiji,
ever-present geopolitical tensions in the region, there are areas that are promotion and management of protected areas”. This will help stimulate An easy win to cutting emissions in cities is to build or incorporate more the Fiji Association of Architects (FAA), the Construction Industry Council
making noticeable strides and areas that are still lagging. I have expanded other infrastructure development for the northern island. cycleways in and around cities – and guess what, by doing so, you not (CIC) and the Fiji Building Designers Association. The membership of
below on the key issues in Fiji from an Engineer’s perspective and touched only help with emissions reduction but you also keep people healthy! The these associations represent the majority of the Building and Construction
on some innovative solutions, current challenges and opportunities that • Local Content cycleway along the Nasese foreshore is a good start, but we need to make industry. They are dedicated to the advancement of their professions and
are critical for the infrastructure development, business and trade. The Fiji Government and development partners are looking to increase Fiji bike-friendly for the local population. Electric bicycles have gained upholding the quality of design and construction. They are the backbone
local representation and participation across the broad spectrum of popularity overseas, being used by commuters to avoid traffic and by of the Construction and Building industry and set the platform for training
and skills development programmes; professional accreditation; industry
senior citizens in society to enhance mobility and stay active. The modern
Fiji Building & Construction Industry Trends infrastructure stakeholders (consultants, contractors, suppliers etc.). This electric bikes are fast and reliable. It’s probably no coincidence that the standards and quality assurance; ethical conduct, good governance and
• Positive Shift in Infrastructure Focus was echoed at the ADB Pacific Infrastructure Business Opportunities design of the Nasese road and cycleway was undertaken by Erasito Beca. professionalism.
This is an exciting time to be an engineer working in Fiji. The Fiji Government Seminar held in Nadi, in May this year. This initiative to upskill the
remains wedded to the idea of better infrastructure as a key platform to capability of the local workforce and to build local capacity. A successful • Encourage the people of the Pacific to return to their country of origin
improve economic performance; productivity; and to spread wealth around tried and tested model which contributes to building local capacity is the and bring their experience and skills. With the current downturn in the
the country. This year alone has seen a shift by infrastructure authorities Erasito Beca partnership. Beca together with Fiji in-country partner Erasito Australian and New Zealand economies, now is the time to encourage
in finalizing their vision and strategies for their respective organizations. Consultants provide a service offering combination of international and the return of skilled people to Fiji. With a significant Pacifica population in
Examples include; the Water Authority of Fiji launching its Water Sector national experts. Erasito Consultants provide local experts, knowledge New Zealand, Beca has recognized this as a great opportunity to link their
Strategy 2050 in April this year, Fiji Airports kickstarting execution of their of the Fiji consulting and construction industries, and local skills and Pacifica staff, passionate about returning to their island nations – I’m a
long-term strategic plan (previously delayed by COVID in 2020), Fiji Ports resources. Beca is New Zealand’s largest employee-owned engineering returning Fiji citizen that is part of this initiative.
Ltd continuing with their strategy and looking to relocate the Port of Suva, and related consultancy services group (approx. +4000 employees)
and most recently in August, the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) launching provide specialist and additional resources to complement the Erasito • At the recent Fiji Australia Business Council conference held in Suva
their Strategic Plan. team. This Erasito Beca partnership has been in operation for just under last month, Fiji’s geographical location as the Hub of the Pacific status was
30 years now.
recognized as strategic and crucial in enabling trade and development.
• Proactive steps by Governments, Development Partners & Private The Ports and Airports are the gateways to Fiji and the wider Pacific.
Sector
What is visible from the public viewpoint is that there is active participation • The challenge for the long-term National and Strategic plans with
and cooperation between the Fiji Government, foreign governments The Rewa bridge was designed by Beca and constructed by Beca undertook the timelines over 10–30 years is maintaining continuity – especially with
and development partners. This fosters greater collaboration in the Fletcher. Structural and Geotechnical governments tied to a 4-year term. Engagement and political support from
design of the Reserve Bank
infrastructure space, wherein development partners and supportive building. the ruling, opposition parties and other major parties is key as it helps all
countries are working in partnership with Fiji and Pacific Island governments parties agree on a clear plan that is beneficial for Fiji.
to further grow the trade and investment relationship towards sustainable
infrastructure development in the Pacific. Since relocating to Fiji, in the last Challenges • Electric bicycles were noted earlier, is there an opportunity to go one
6 months, I have attended four conferences in Fiji - all with the underlying • The Mass Exodus of Skilled People from Fiji is impacting the Building step further and consider electrifying our bus fleets? Imagine not having to
theme of supporting infrastructure development. Similar efforts are Launch of the Beca Pacifica group at Beca house in Auckland. Terence Erasito (Erasito and Construction industry and in turn infrastructure development. sit through the exhaust fumes at the bus stand whilst waiting for your bus.
observed in the Business Councils in Fiji, recognizing Fiji’s role as a Pacific Consultants) and
region leader. A key outcome of this cooperation and collaboration is the Vincent Lobendahn • Investment in Asset Maintenance. Fiji has aging infrastructure and, Beca is no stranger to Fiji, and has been operating in Fiji for approximately
increased visibility of the public procurement opportunities in Fiji and the (Beca). when the impacts of climate change are overlaid, the costs of maintaining 40 years. With involvement in early projects such as the Nadi Airport Main
wider Pacific. For the private sector (consultants, constructors, suppliers infrastructure are only going to increase. Runway Rehabilitation and the multistorey Reserve Bank building in the
etc.) having clear visibility on pipeline projects, provides business and Innovation the Enabler 1980s to the design of the new Rewa Bridge in early 2000s. In partnership
investment confidence and certainty. The emerging trend in the previous section depicts a significant • Quality of Design, Construction and Material Supply. Ensuring with Erasito Consultants, Beca have been involved in the Seismic
growth picture in the Building and Construction industry together with that projects are delivered to the highest quality standards will enable Strengthening & Rehabilitation of the Kings Wharf, Bua Bay Integrated
• Climate Change & Sustainability corresponding industries such as Tourism. To effectively respond to this resilience and longevity of the infrastructure. Port, Vaturu Nagado Pipeline, Kashmir Reservoir to name just a few
Pacific leaders are grappling with the single greatest threat to the significant growth and change, we can’t keep doing the things that worked projects. Beca works across various markets ranging from Transport &
Pacific: Climate Change. Natural disasters (cyclones, tsunamis, droughts before and we need to do things better than we did before. • Lack of Quality (continuous) and Quantity in Energy supply, there Infrastructure to Power & Energy and provide services such as Climate
etc.) are nothing new to the Pacific but in this new age, the increased is an awareness and recognition of this challenge and the government Change and Decarbonisation Planning amongst others.
frequency and intensity is having a profound impact on Pacific Islanders. • Digital Future and the energy sector is taking measures to respond.
Fiji is no different and recent experience from Cyclone Winston was a The future is digital, and if we fail to embrace digital, we will be left behind. In Prior to his Fiji transition, Vincent was the section manager of the Beca
stark reminder of this threat. What is reassuring is the recognition of the the international construction industry, both consultants and constructors • Procurement Challenges, need to revamp this to have consultant, Auckland Civil Structures team for 5 years. The 50-plus team were
importance of sustainability by the Fiji Government, development partners have taken up digital delivery in a big way. Building Information Modelling contractor and supplier confidence and clarity in pipeline of works. responsible for bridges, wharfs, tunnels and other horizontal infrastructure.
(and supportive governments) and a commitment towards sustainable (BIM) and 3D modelling are now common place from design delivery Vincent is also passionate about the development of Pacifica engineers
development. Given the fact that Pacific countries are at the frontline through to post construction, operational and maintenance of assets. • Leadership Disruptions. Key leadership change in an organization and is a past president and member of the South Pacific Professional
and disproportionately affected by climate change, it is imperative that Digital twins and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are also gaining momentum. or a change in government tends to stall large-scale infrastructure Engineering Excellence (SPPEEx) group. Having worked overseas,
improved or newly-built infrastructure are future-proofed and resilient in An example of Beca’s significant digital investment is in cutting-edge AI- development. With the incoming new leadership, there is an initial period primarily in New Zealand with stints in Australia and Europe, returning to
the face of climate change, natural disasters, and increasing extreme enabled drones used to inspect bridges which allows for safer and more of understanding; re-prioritizing and resetting with inherent delays. his homeland was always on the table.
weather events. efficient inspections.
Opportunities Contact Vincent on vincent.lobendahn@beca.com if you need assistance
• Growing Tourism Market • Renewable Energy is the Way to Go • With the buoyancy and positive outlook for the Infrastructure sector with your projects in Fiji or visit Beca’s website www.beca.com to
The latest figures in the Investment Fiji website states: The Tourism The dependence on fossil fuels needs to be reduced and the challenge is comes competing strategic priorities for respective infrastructure understand the range of services that Beca offers.
Industry in Fiji is largely regarded as an important driver for the Fijian to eventually phase out. authorities. Given the interdependent nature of the various infrastructure
economy. In 2019, approximately 894,389 visitors spent FJD $2.1 billion authorities and other key stakeholders, cross-collaboration at a national
in Fiji across an estimated 1,200 businesses. The tourism sector employs • Proactive Engagement with Universities level is essential to agree priorities. Going one step further – regularly
approximately 119,000 Fijians and contributes above 40% of Fiji’s Gross More collaboration with universities to undertake research and study reviewing and re-assessing priorities at a national level and reprioritizing
Domestic Product (GDP). With its pristine blue waters and friendly people, to help with developing some of the innovative solutions that can be (if necessary) is imperative.
Fiji is a magnet for tourism. The tourism industry in Fiji has rebounded a leveraged for sustainable development work. I recently presented to the
lot quicker than expected from COVID. Tourism is a multifaceted industry engineering students at the University of the South Pacific. I noted that the • Retention of our skilled workers is key to supporting Fiji’s growth. In
with direct links to infrastructure. In response to this growth, there is a Civil Engineering department was exploring Nature-based Solutions for order to do this, having the right environment for professionals to thrive
need for more hotels and the need for infrastructure has increased ((i.e., coastal adaptation work. Regional development partners are undertaking in is important. Straight out of university or techical institutions, young
airports etc.). The Fiji Government with support from the World Bank is similar work. Closer collaboration between all these various organizations professionals are focused on getting good work experience and training.
supporting sustainable tourism development in Vanua Levu, the northern provides mutual benefit both to the University and its research, and for Ensuring that the Building and Construction industry can support this
island of Fiji. The Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium better outcomes and solutions for the wider Building and Construction through internships or cadetships is a crucial first step.
Enterprises website states that “this is expected to generate significant industry. Bua Bay wharf in Wairiki, Vanua Levu – my last photo as a site engineer before I left Fiji in
2007.
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28 Islands Business, September 2024