The Fiji Bureau of Statistics (FBoS) has reported a modest rise in construction activity, recording a total estimated value of work put-in-place of $589.1 million last year, according to its latest construction statistics released in March. The bureau said the figure was $4.5 million higher — a 0.8 percent increase — than the $584.6 million recorded in the previous year. For additional context, the bureau noted that the total value of work put-in-place in 2023 stood at $557.9 million.
Breaking down the $589.1 million total, the private sector accounted for $329.7 million, or 56.0 percent, of the value of work, while the public sector contributed $259.4 million, or 44.0 percent. The split underscores that both government-led and private projects remain important drivers of construction activity across Fiji.
By type of work, civil engineering dominated the sector, contributing $288.3 million — almost half the total at 48.9 percent. New building work and capital repairs together made up $234.6 million (39.8 percent), while current repairs and maintenance accounted for $66.2 million (11.3 percent). The prominence of civil engineering suggests substantial investment in roads, bridges, drainage and other infrastructure works during the period covered by the release.
The overall increase of 0.8 percent is small but represents an uptick following earlier years when the sector recorded lower totals. The bureau’s figures are compiled from surveys of all registered private building and civil works contractors engaged in projects for both private clients and the general government, providing a comprehensive snapshot of activity put-in-place rather than commitments or planned projects.
The public-sector share — approaching 44 percent of total activity — indicates sustained government participation in construction outputs, whether through capital repairs, new public buildings or civil engineering projects. That dynamic is likely to remain relevant as government budget allocations and public infrastructure programmes continue to influence demand for construction services.
FBoS said its next release, covering construction statistics for the March quarter, is scheduled for publication in June. That quarterly update will provide a nearer-term view of momentum in building and civil works, and whether the small annual increase indicates the start of a steadier recovery in the industry or merely reflects year-on-year volatility.
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