New Caledonia construction sector in crisis

The construction sector in New Caledonia is in crisis and jobs will be lost in the second half of the year if spending is not boosted.

Its industry organisation has held a news conference to appeal for efforts to increase construction and public works to shore up employment.

The organisation, FCBTP, said out of 6700 jobs, 1300 were at risk if orders and projects failed to materialise within the next two months.

There had already been a decline from last year, with the associated loss of employers and expertise, it said.

With provincial elections due in less than four weeks, the FCBTP has called for public and private spending to increase.