The delivery of essential services like water and road upgrading works could be contracted out to the private sector should the planned national strike go ahead.

Interim Public Service Minister Poseci Bune has suggested to those workers who are employed in the department of roads, water supply, buildings and maintenance, that they should consider setting up their own companies and then tender for government contracts.

Bune said its part of the government's contingency plan to ensure there is minimal disruption if a strike does occur.

Bune warned that the implementation of the contingency plan will be costly to the government and may affect government's ability to fully restore the remaining 4% pay cut.

Meanwhile, FICTU spokesman Taniela Tabu has labelled Bune as a dictator and adds that the unions will not be intimidated.