The Consumer Council of Fiji is supportive of moves by the Construction Industry Council to license builders in the industry.

Chief executive, Premila Kumar says licensing is one of the key topics to be discussed during the Council conference on June 14th to the 16th.

Kumar also suggested that as part of licensing, the industry should also categorize the different competency and qualification levels required for each specific trade.

“It is no longer enough for consumers to deal only with general contractors, when they have options to also use highly qualified licensed specialists like plumbers, tile layers, electricians, surveyors and more.”

Kumar also suggests the conference also considers a system that clearly defines licensing builders in rural and urban areas.

She adds since building or buying a house is a big financial decision consumers make, it would be beneficial for the conference to also include consumer’s perspectives.

“Majority of the 150 complaints between 2013 to the end of last year valued at $3.1 million dollars involved poor quality and incomplete jobs, inferior materials, and contractors taking advance money.”

The Council also suggests that licensing to be enforced by a fully independent body made up of credible industry professionals.