Page 37 - Islands Business October 2023 edition

Building and Construction

ADDRESSING THE PACIFIC HOUSING CRISIS

Continued from page 35 envision paradise in the Pacific, we often fail to acknowledge
the struggles faced by its population. Limited access to
ownership, reviewing the relocation of tenants to permanent resilient, adequate and affordable housing has become a
housing, the work of Revitalising Informal Settlements and significant obstacle in the development in our island nations.”
their Environments (RISE), and UN Habitat’s Fiji Resilient He urged those working in the sector to remain hopeful and
Informal Settlements climate-resilience focused project. find solutions.
In his contribution at the Forum, Ministry of Housing “It is imperative that we work together to address the
Permanent Secretary, Manasa Lesuma noted that no accurate housing crisis in the Pacific. Governments, international
data relating to Fiji’s 300 informal settlements existed, organisations, non-governmental entities and private sector
making planning for development difficult. “We have entities must collaborate to overcome these obstacles and
identified 48 settlements for development, but they were all create a positive change. To begin, we need to prioritise
issued with 10-year leases. But as we speak, some of these urban planning and sustainable development in the
leases are coming to an end of their 10th year yet we still region. By considering the unique topography, and climate
haven’t been able to do any development on these leases,” conditions, we can design housing models that are resilient…
he said. [and employ] renewable energy sources. This will not only
Habitat for Humanity Fiji jointly organised the Pacific provide safe and affordable homes, but also contribute to the
Housing Summit, with Board Chair, Anabel Ali noting: “The overall sustainability and wellbeing of those communities.
ethos that guides Habitat for Humanity’s work is rooted in Additionally, increasing financial assistance and personal
what we call ‘theology of the hammer’, a belief that faith opportunities for health is vital. Governments should establish
is manifested through practical actions. This means actively policies that encourage private investment and provide
participating in initiatives that address housing insecurity and incentives to both local and international investors.”
homelessness.”
It was a sentiment also taken up by Minister for Housing, The writer is a Board member with Habitat for Humanity Fiji.
Maciu Katamotu Nalumisa, who told the Forum: “When we

PAVING THE WAY TO FIJI’S PROGRESS

In the heart of the enchanting Fiji Islands, Basic Industries Pte Limited (BIL) stands tall as a
beacon of progress. As one of the largest vertically integrated businesses in the country, BIL
has become synonymous with excellence in the construction industry. Our core expertise lies
in ready-mix concrete, pre-cast concrete products, and quarry aggregate materials of all types.
As a leading company in construction, BIL is proud of its pivotal role in driving infrastructure
development, the exceptional quality of its products, and the unwavering commitment to
superior customer delivery.
Fiji’s breathtaking landscapes are not only a tourist’s dream, but also the canvas upon which
Basic Industries Pte Limited is sketching a brighter future. As the nation looks towards robust
infrastructure development to propel its growth, BIL is at the forefront of this transformation. Our
portfolio of products are the building blocks of progress. From roads that connect communities to bridges that span majestic rivers, BIL’s
solutions lay the foundation for Fiji’s development journey.
At Basic Industries, quality isn’t just a buzzword; it’s our mantra. Our hard-working team understands that the strength of Fiji’s infrastructure
is only as robust as the materials used to construct it. Our commitment to delivering the highest quality products is unwavering. All the
products are manufactured to withstand the test of time, ensuring that the structures we build today remain sturdy for generations to
come. Also, in the heart of our business lies our customers. BIL proudly states that it does not just deliver products; it delivers solutions.
Our customer-centric approach is our driving force. From project inception to completion, BIL stands shoulder-to-shoulder with its clients,
offering guidance, expertise, and flexibility. We firmly believe and understand that no two projects are alike, and hence tailor our solutions
to meet the unique needs of each client. The commitment to superior customer delivery means that BIL does not just meet expectations;
it consistently exceeds them.
As stewards of Fiji’s natural beauty, BIL takes sustainability seriously. Our operations are aligned with environmentally friendly practices,
and being a responsible business, BIL actively contributes to the preservation of the stunning landscapes that define this nation. From
responsible quarrying to eco-conscious production processes, BIL is dedicated to leaving a positive footprint on Fiji’s environment.
Basic Industries Pte Limited isn’t just a construction company; we are builders of dreams, architects of progress, and partners in Fiji’s
growth story. Our firm commitment to pioneering infrastructure development, unwavering quality standards, and superior customer delivery
has earned the trust of the people of Fiji. As the business looks ahead, we are excited to continue our journey as the cornerstone of Fiji’s
infrastructure development, shaping a future that is as strong as it is beautiful, and building Fiji’s tomorrow, today!
Head Office - Suva: Jai Hanuman Rd, Bhindi Industrial, Vatuwaqa. Phone: 331 1433 / 892 8150 • Fax: 330 0878 • Mobile: 999 9681
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Islands Business, October 2023 37