Skilled tradesmen in villages should consider setting up co-operatives or small businesses to bid for government contracts, should talks about re-establishing the former Public Works Department (PWD) materialise.
The idea was mooted at the recent Fiji Indigenous Business Council (FIBC) FHL Workshop 24, where the lack of indigenous participation in government contracts was a thorny issue.
In a panel discussion on the session themed ‘Engaging indigenous businesses’, former Basic Industries Ltd chief executive officer Mosese Volavola said with the new direction by the Government to re-establish PWD, there will be opportunities for local contractors.
“But the question is how many local contractors are indigenous business contractors. Do we have the capabilities to get those contracts?” Mr Volavola asked.
Business entrepreneur Mereseini Baleilevuka said indigenous business owners must return to the solesolevaki platform to form co-operatives.
She said there are some qualified plumbers, carpenters and mechanics in villages that can take those initiatives to form and be members of co-operatives.
She said people in villages in the highlands and outer islands could be empowered and trained, and with proper management, should be able to secure government contracts.
Deputy PM and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad said those ideas were being considered, particularly now as Government is fixing government assets and rural infrastructure.
“We’re hoping, given the shortage of labour, given some of the training done by FNU, Pacific Polytech, training people in villages and settlements, these are people who, apart from supplying labour, can also be part of businesses and cooperatives or small enterprises,” Mr Prasad said.
“It doesn’t have to be a co-operative, three or four people can get together and set up a company, a construction company which specialises in fixing rural roads, rural infrastructures, staff quarters, medical centres, etc. There are a lot of jobs available on a continuation basis.”
The workshop, supported by Fijian Holdings Ltd, ended on Thursday.
