Fiji Hardwood Corporation Ltd (FHCL) staff members stationed at Nukurua, Tailevu have raised concerns about unsafe living conditions, contaminated water, and poorly maintained facilities there.
During a recent talanoa session with Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Alitia Bainivalu on Tuesday, staff members voiced their frustration over the deteriorating infrastructure and the living quarters, describing them as unsafe and urgently in need of maintenance.
A staff member, who requested anonymity, told the media these problems had persisted for years without any significant efforts to resolve the issues.
“The condition of the quarters is such that we worry they might collapse at any moment,” the staff member said.
“Even the drinking water from the tank is unsafe and the underground pipes that carry water from the dam to the reservoir have holes, and these pipes have been in place since the station was established in 1961.
“The pipes are no longer fit for purpose and cannot provide enough clean water to the reservoir. As a result, water is pumped twice a day, three days a week, but it is only available in the afternoon for bathing and washing.
“For the rest of the day, staff use rainwater stored in their water tanks.
“The dam contains leaves from mahogany trees that often fall into the dam emitting unpleasant odours that staff had to endure, they remain there until the next rainfall washes them away.”
In response, company general manager Semi Dranibaka said when the company took over all assets from the ministry in 1998, FHCL was in no financial position to maintain all quarters.
He said in 2021 an assessment of all company assets was conducted and a maintenance program was instituted, adding that minor repairs were done based on the availability of the funding.
“In 2023, FHCL recruited a full-time carpenter to undertake minor repair works within all its 13 stations.
“FHCL has requested scoping works on the renovation of all quarters through the Fiji Government Assists office.
“The company will provide a detailed scope of maintenance for all station quarters and the estimate cost of renovation.”
Mr Dranibaka said there was an urgent need for government funding.
“It is also under our statement of corporate intent to maintain all our quarters and request government co-funding.
“Currently all staff occupying FHCL quarters do not pay any rent, but once all necessary renovation work is done, then the company will subscribe to a fee for rent to assist with the maintenance of the buildings.”
Meanwhile, workers have highlighted that FHCL did not provide the necessary tools for the carpenter, and not all plumbing materials were provided resulting in delays and incomplete maintenance work.
