Poor infrastructure in Fiji stems from inadequate planning and limited funding, as stated by Investment Fiji chairwoman Jenny Seeto. During a panel discussion on ‘Shaping the Future – Opportunities in Infrastructure’ at the Fiji-Australia and Australia-Fiji Business Councils Joint Forum held at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Ms. Seeto emphasized the need for the Fijian government to prioritize effectively.
She noted that infrastructure challenges are intricate and largely depend on financial resources, mentioning the necessity to reassess budget allocations and priorities. Ms. Seeto expressed optimism about the potential savings that could be achieved across various ministries if there is a dedicated political will to invest in infrastructure projects.
Recently, Ms. Seeto highlighted challenges faced by investors, particularly in relation to water supply for upcoming projects, with the Water Authority of Fiji indicating limitations in supplying water to these developments. She addressed the importance of maintaining good relationships with neighboring countries, such as Australia and China, to facilitate infrastructure improvements.
One notable issue raised by Ms. Seeto is the burden on investors who are often required to invest in road construction for both their developments and surrounding areas. She provided an example regarding a subdivision project where the developer is responsible for infrastructure beyond their property limits. She mentioned engaging with the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) to navigate these challenges.
Ms. Seeto concluded by urging the government to reassess its spending strategies, prioritize effectively, and focus on sectors that present investment opportunities.