Bangladeshi workers boost local skills in Labasa construction project

The recruitment of Bangladeshi workers by a local construction company has contributed positively to the improvement of local workers’ skill sets.

This was highlighted by LSR Investment PTE Limited director Laukesh Raj, the contractor for the Vunika Informal Settlement project in Labasa.

Mr Raj said Bangladeshi workers were highly specialised truck drivers, mechanics, carpenters and joiners.

18 Bangladeshi workers are currently employed in these positions.

He said these roles had become increasingly difficult to fill locally, prompting the need to bring in foreign workers.

Mr Raj said the strong work ethic demonstrated by Bangladeshi workers helped completed several projects.

“Gradually, this strong foreign work ethic has been embedded among local workers, which will help grow their skill sets,” he said.

Mr Raj stressed that the aim of employing Bangladeshi workers was not to downgrade local workers, but to enhance their skills through exposure to international experience.

Bangladeshi workers satisfied One of the Bangladeshi workers, Mohammed Atik, expressed satisfaction with his working conditions.

Mr Atik said they were provided with accommodation and enjoyed working in Fiji.

“We have no problems here. Our employer has taken good care of us,” he said.

Originally from Dhaka, Bangladesh, Mr Atik said he had been working in Fiji for two years and hoped to continue working with the same employer for many more years.