The removal of the Public Works Department by the previous government resulted in the displacement of hundreds of workers.
“These are technical people, and we cannot just build that up in 12 months or 24 months, we need about 16 years to do that,” Infrastructure Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau said while responding to queries from Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu on the status of PWD.
He said the restoration of the PWD would be done in phases to facilitate a smooth transition.
“If we have 16 years, Fiji will be just perfect, but we won’t do it in 16 years, we will do it in this space and when we come in after the next elections,” he said.
“The good work will continue from there.”
Mr Seruiratu, however said Ro Filipe had not provided evidence of this transition eventuating.
Ro Filipe said that realistically, it would need another two or three years, however, he commended development partners such as Japan for resourcing PWD depots, which was the first stage of the transition.
“We have got some machinery right now which has worked through a few areas, including the maritime and some of the interior areas, and complementing FRA,” Ro Filipe said.
“So, I think if we have that synergy correct, I mean, working in synergy to produce that maximum or optimum output.”
Ro Filipe said the Opposition had gone on pontificating about existing issues, which were there when they were in government.
“We cannot just suddenly remove something and replace it with what we are coming in with, because this is a responsible government.
“The kind of questions I’ve been receiving on this for the last 24 months show a lack of understanding about change management.
“Change management is about assessing the current situation, assessing the resources needed, and dealing with it in a phased-responsible manner, which we are currently doing.
“This is not a dictatorship. We can’t just come and kick people out and replace them.”
