Record growth in building permits

Building activity in Fiji experienced a robust increase during the March quarter, according to data from the Fiji Bureau of Statistics. A total of 287 building permits were issued, representing a significant uptick in construction intentions across the nation.

The total value of work associated with these permits reached $300.9 million. This figure marks an 8.3% increase in the number of permits compared to the December quarter of last year. More dramatically, the value of this work surged by 47.1% quarter-on-quarter. When compared to the March quarter of the previous year, permits increased by 12.1%, while the value of work jumped an impressive 246.4%.

The Bureau also reported on completion certificates, issuing 73 valued at $37.1 million. Completion certificates rose by 43.1% from the previous quarter, although their value saw a slight decrease of 17.3%. Year-on-year, completion certificates increased by 30.4%, with their value climbing by 133.5%.

Officials caution that users should exercise care when interpreting these figures due to a time lag between the issuance of permits and the completion of projects. This lag can affect direct comparisons between different periods.