Fiji Roads Authority Restructures to Tackle Staffing Woes and Boost Infrastructure

The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) faced a significant staffing challenge last year, losing up to 50 employees, many of whom relocated to jobs in Australia and New Zealand. As a result, the FRA is initiating an extensive restructuring of its internal framework to enhance efficiency, compliance, and service delivery through a new strategic plan.

Chief Executive Apisai Ketenilagi stated that the review will realign job roles and introduce new technical expertise tailored to meet operational necessities. He emphasized that the restructure is overdue and acknowledges years of internal challenges, particularly in recruitment for specialized roles. The FRA has sought to address this issue by working with foreign recruitment agencies and seeking help from international development partners such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank, focusing on capacity-building initiatives.

During this restructuring, which is being guided by KPMG, revisions to the organizational framework are expected to be identified in initial workshops. The final structure is likely to be approved and implemented later this year, promising a fresh start for personnel management and improved infrastructure project execution.

This situation is underscored by previous challenges outlined in earlier articles, where the FRA’s management began to engage external consultants to supervise major infrastructure projects as internal management faced limitations. The focus on both maintaining existing road infrastructure and enhancing new constructions will be vital for the FRA, as echoed by discussions on the need for improved accountability and efficiency in resource allocation.

While the challenges within the FRA remain significant, the proactive restructuring efforts signal a hopeful future. By investing in new talent and enhancing operational capacity, the FRA aims not only to bolster its project management capabilities but also improve the quality of life for residents throughout Fiji by ensuring better road infrastructure and safety.