FINANCE Minister Esrom Immanuel stressed the critical role of architecture in national development and security, stating it’s a fundamental investment rather than a mere cost.
Mr Immanuel made the comment during the Extra Fiji Architecture Conference and Trade Exhibition at the Sheraton Fiji Golf Resort and Spa in Denarau, Nadi on Saturday.
He told attendees that their profession was vital for translating government policy into tangible assets for the nation.
”My portfolio may be concerned with allocation of national financial resources, but it is your profession that translates those allocations into tangible reality of homes, hospitals, schools and public spaces,” he said.
Mr Immanuel highlighted that the government’s National Development Plan, 2025-2045, which details accelerating reforms for inclusive growth called directly upon the architecture sector to deliver a resilient and sustainable nation.
“The treasury’s analysis is tight, and that is for every dollar we invest in resilient infrastructure, we save up to $4 in post disaster recovery cost.
“That is really an important figure as well. This is not an environmental argument, it is a financial one,” he said.
