Australia is significantly elevating the standards of safety and efficiency in Fiji’s road maintenance and construction sectors through a major financial commitment aimed at revitalising the island nation’s transport infrastructure.
The Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) has committed A$ 71.8 million to the ‘Restoring Roads and Bridges Across Fiji’ project, which is focused on improving the resilience of roads and bridges on Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island. This strategic investment includes an A$14.7 million grant, aimed at supporting Fiji’s economic recovery post-pandemic while strengthening its defences against climate change. The initiative underscores the robust partnership between Australia and Fiji, promoting sustainable development and securing vital transport networks.
Group of participants in the AIFFP-supported ‘Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry’ course. Pic: AIFFP website.
A key component of this investment is the AIFFP’s collaboration with the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) to enhance construction safety standards. They have jointly conducted the “Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry” course, which provides Fijians with Australian-accredited construction safety credentials. This course equips participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to work safely in the construction sector, aligning with FRA’s stringent work health and safety (WHS) standards for road construction and maintenance activities.
The FRA is pioneering efforts in Fiji to mandate industry-recognised WHS certification for its road workers, including contractors. Following a successful pilot program and positive feedback in 2023, the training was refined and delivered to 65 FRA inspectors and road renewal contractors earlier this year. The completion of this training ensures that construction site workers are well-prepared to identify hazards and implement effective safety protocols.
The AIFFP’s approach emphasises local employment and capacity building, with road renewal contracts awarded to locally registered contractors, employing predominantly local Fijians. This strategy not only boosts local employment but also ensures that the skills and expertise remain within the community.
Additionally, APTC has delivered International Skills Training to FRA’s three safety officers, providing them with internationally recognised certification. This training improves their competency-based training skills and assessment capabilities, enabling them to lead safety training for FRA staff and significantly enhancing organisational capabilities.
Looking ahead, there are plans to make the white card training mandatory for all road construction personnel in Fiji, from casual workers to managers. This move aims to address the diverse risks present on construction sites and ensure that everyone involved upholds the highest safety standards, thereby safeguarding both individual and collective well-being.
The AIFFP, in partnership with the APTC and FRA, continues to make significant contributions to improving Fiji’s road safety and efficiency through skill development and rigorous safety training programmes.
