An investigation into the steel reinforcement produced and sold in Fiji is currently in progress. Engineers Fiji confirmed this ‘due diligence exercise’ following inquiries from SunBiz regarding the quality of locally manufactured steel.
Terence Erasito, president of Engineers Fiji, stated, “On behalf of the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, who operate under Fiji Standards, we will provide a more comprehensive response to this inquiry once the exercise concludes.”
Erasito raised concerns about the implications of using substandard reinforcement steel in construction projects. He noted that the seismic design for buildings in Fiji typically adheres to New Zealand Standards. “Using substandard steel would result in structures that do not comply with the Fiji National Building Code and New Zealand Standards,” he explained. “Such non-compliant structures may not perform as intended, and their performance will vary based on the extent of the non-compliance.”
For reinforced concrete structures like buildings, bridges, and towers, it is critical that they can withstand seismic forces effectively. Erasito emphasized the need for these structures to allow occupants to exit safely during earthquakes. He underscored the necessity for the reinforcing steel used in construction to be ductile, meaning its chemical composition must be such that it retains strength when subjected to deformation from forces like swaying, tension, and shear.
Erasito warned that if the steel reinforcement bars have excessive carbon or chemical impurities, they are prone to premature failure, potentially leading to catastrophic structural failure. This highlights the importance of using compliant and ductile steel in Fiji’s construction practices.
In a related discussion, Erasito urged the government to finalize the Chartered Professional Engineers of Fiji Act. He noted that the existing Engineers Registration Act from 1976 remains in effect, while the Attorney-General’s office has not provided updates on a 2020 amendment bill. He called on the Ministry for Local Government, which oversees Fiji’s municipal councils, to ensure that all development projects receive endorsement from a Chartered Professional Engineer, covering everything from residential homes to major infrastructure projects.
Erasito pointed out the critical role of professional engineers as guardians of civil society and implored the government to acknowledge this responsibility. He also highlighted existing inconsistencies in how project applications are managed across different municipal councils and stated that these discrepancies are affecting developers, investors, and homeowners, calling for timely resolution.