THE local construction industry has been urged to use the Fiji Mediation Centre (FMC) in resolving disputes.
The call was made by Justice Suresh Chandra of the FMC while presenting at the Construction Industry Council (CIC) conference at the Warwick Fiji Resort along the Coral Coast.
Mr Chandra presented on minimising disputes and examined the role of the FMF and how it can be used as an effective alternative disputes resolutions mechanism in the construction industry.
“Mediators help people clarify issues, identify common interests and assists the parties to reach their own solutions,” Justice Chandra said.
“The mediator does not impose a solution.
“The mediator is a neutral party who helps facilitate dialogue between the parties but is not the final decision maker.”
Mediation has been encouraged for the construction industry as an alternative dispute resolution, which is a highly effective tool, saving time and money and allowing the industry to focus on their core business.
“This is because disputes can result in unnecessary delays to major projects, stalling employment and running expenses into the millions in lost productivity, and accumulating legal fees.”
