More students have been encouraged to take up surveying profession as there is a shortage of registered surveyors in the country.
Ministry of Lands Permanent Secretary Malakai Finau says since the inception of the surveying course in 2009 at the Fiji National University, about 50 students graduated with a Diploma in Surveying, but only two are registered as surveyors.
Finau says this is a poor reflection of the profession in Fiji.
Meanwhile, Fiji Institute of Surveyors President Paresio Samisoni says the figure is quite alarming.
He says registering more surveyors will help address its shortages.
“About only 36 are currently practicing which is really short. You need to look at least another 20 in the near future. Another 20 to be registered in two years it can bridge the gap of these shortage.”
Meanwhile, the Institute is also concerned at the number of bogus surveyors who make money by carrying out survey work but do not complete it.
