Suva, Fiji: Half the cost of the new $100million Embassy of the United States complex in Tamavua has been absorbed into the Fiji economy.

US Embassy's regional public affairs officer Jeffery Robertson said at the peak of the construction no less than 500 local workers were employed at the project site, representing more than two dozen local subcontractors and suppliers.

“This new embassy compound represents a major step for the forward in the United States ability to represent its interests, and to deliver services and support programs for other US embassies in the increasingly important Pacific region,” he said.

Project manager Tracy Thomas, who was nothing short of impressed by the dedication of the local workers, believes that locals employed during the construction of the new embassy had learnt new skills.

“I have heard of the brain drain problem faced by the local construction industry, what I believe is that the new embassy provided the local workers a chance to learn new techniques,” she said.

Over 7500 cubic metres of concrete and reinforcing steel were used in the construction, all from local sources.

Construction started in 2007 and was due to end in 2009, however delays have moved the relocation date to early 2011.

“The work was subcontracted to many contractors and if one contractor is not able to complete work on time, this in turn affects work in totality.”