Fiji Hardwood Corporation Ltd (FHCL) employees based in Nukurua, Tailevu, have raised serious concerns about their living conditions, which they describe as unsafe and unsanitary. Their grievances were expressed during a recent meeting with Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Alitia Bainivalu, with staff highlighting the dire state of infrastructure and facilities.

One worker, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that these troubling conditions have persisted for several years without effective remediation. “The quarters are in such disrepair that we worry they might collapse at any moment,” the employee stated. They further described the drinking water as contaminated, attributing the problem to aging pipes—installed in 1961—which are now riddled with holes and inadequate for supply.

Currently, FHCL employees receive water through a brief pump operation twice a week, which restricts availability to limited hours, leaving them reliant on rainwater for most of their daily needs. Furthermore, issues were noted regarding the accumulation of debris in the dam, which presents unpleasant odors.

In response to these concerns, FHCL’s general manager, Semi Dranibaka, explained that the organization has struggled financially since it took over ministry assets in 1998. He mentioned that a maintenance program began after an assessment of company assets in 2021, with minor repairs conducted as funding allowed. This year, a full-time carpenter was hired to tend to repairs, but issues persist due to a lack of tools and plumbing supplies.

Dranibaka also conveyed the company’s intention to work with the government to secure funding for much-needed renovations of the living quarters. He noted that currently, staff do not pay rent, but the company plans to implement a rental system upon completion of the renovations to help support ongoing maintenance.

This situation echoes broader challenges faced across Fiji regarding infrastructure and essential services, as seen in similar reports from other regions, such as water supply issues plaguing communities in Labasa and Suva. In these areas, residents have similarly struggled with inadequate water supply, stressing the need for government intervention and sustainable solutions.

Despite these challenges, the FHCL management’s commitment to addressing staff concerns shows hopeful progress. It reflects a larger need for collaborative efforts between companies and the government to improve living conditions and ensure health and safety for workers. The residents’ proactive stance in addressing these problems can inspire other communities facing similar issues to voice their concerns.

This article underscores the urgent need for infrastructure improvement and the role of government support in fostering safe and healthy living environments for workers across Fiji.