Recently, the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) issued a statement to clarify its ongoing relationship with Fletcher Higgins amid media reports concerning maintenance contracts. Since 2017, the FRA has emphasized that its partnership with Fletcher Higgins has been strong, marking the contractor as a key player in the maintenance of the Western Division’s roads.
The FRA confirmed that all payments owed to Fletcher Higgins for maintenance services are current, including routine maintenance fees and claims related to cost escalations, consistent with the terms already stipulated in their contractual agreement. In an effort to sustain operations without disruption, the FRA has also approved a nine-month extension for current contracts, which encompass agreements with Fletcher Higgins. This proactive measure ensures that essential maintenance services continue while new tenders are planned and expected to award contracts by June 2026.
However, tensions arose when Fletcher Higgins signaled its intention to terminate its contract with the FRA, issuing a 28-day notice that would end maintenance operations by November 20, 2025. The FRA expressed a desire for Fletcher Higgins to reconsider this decision, underscoring its commitment to maintaining a reliable and safe road network across Fiji.
The challenges facing Fletcher Higgins were highlighted in recent reports regarding the company’s reduction in workforce and ongoing financial issues stemming from delays in contract renewals and payment processing. This has raised concerns about potential job losses for its 580 employees, broadly impacting the Fijian economy given that the company is partially locally owned.
As the FRA aims to navigate these complex situations, there is an underlying hope that open communication and cooperation among all parties involved—Fletcher Higgins, the FRA, and the government—can lead to a resolution that not only preserves jobs but also strengthens the local economy in these challenging times. The FRA’s position reflects a dedication to infrastructure integrity and a willingness to adapt in response to evolving contractual dynamics.
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