The Fiji Roads Authority stresses that it is committed to providing an equal employment opportunity and they do not only hire expatriates but also employ locals in top executive and managerial positions.
Fijivillage had asked Acting CEO of Fiji Roads Authority Robert Sen if FRA is now considering locals for top positions compared to the past when many expatriates were taking up top posts.
Sen says for expatriates, in many cases some of their specific expertise and knowledge is important and necessary for the FRA to advance their objectives.
He says during their contract they share their knowledge, help the locals with their professional growth and train them to fill those positions occupied by the expats once their contract expires so skills must be transferable.
When we asked about the FRA’s contracting system, Sen says Fulton Hogan Highways is their Central, Northern and Eastern divisions’ contractor, while Higgins holds the contract for the Western Division.
Sen says just like any other contractor, they went through the full procurement process and decisions were made accordingly.
He says the FRA wants to ensure that the decisions are transparent and that the people of Fiji were receiving the best possible value for money.
Sen adds that the FRA has hundreds of sub‑contractors that are locals and these contracts are aimed to encourage the local Fijian contractors and to give them the opportunity to provide the service and compete for increased job opportunity which will contribute to Fiji’s economy.
He says the FRA oversees works carried out by all their contractors.
The total allocation to FRA in the 2017/2018 National Budget is $527.5 million comprising of $26.8 million for operating costs and $500.8 million for capital expenditure.
