The lack of qualified skilled laborers in the construction field is one of the major challenges being faced by the Fiji Building Designer’s Association.

FBDA President, Shailendra Mudliar says despite their progress, this is one of the major setbacks which affects their daily services.

Mudliar says they have a number of laborers but these people are not experienced and have limited knowledge about the building and design industry.

“In few months’ time we will be running workshops and seminars to up skill our designers that’s what we have planned. We have other plans which includes dealing with local authorities and town country planning to make it easier for us when we are lodging a plan and getting approval.”

He says it’s vital for their association to educate students in the tertiary level about the opportunities available in this sector.

Meanwhile, Mudliar says another major setback is their internal communication and they’re now working on addressing this issue.