An investigation is currently being conducted into the manufacturing and distribution of steel reinforcement in Fiji. Engineers Fiji has confirmed that they are undertaking a “due diligence exercise” following inquiries from SunBiz about the quality of locally produced steel.
Terence Erasito, president of Engineers Fiji, stated that the organization is working in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, which operates under Fiji Standards. A more comprehensive response to the inquiry will be provided upon completion of the investigation.
Concerns have been raised regarding the use of substandard reinforcement steel in construction, especially since structures in Fiji are generally designed according to New Zealand Standards. Erasito emphasized that using inferior steel could lead to non-compliance with the Fiji National Building Code and New Zealand Standards, making structures potentially unsafe during seismic events.
For crucial structures like buildings, bridges, towers, and wharves, the integrity of the reinforced concrete depends on its ability to withstand lateral loads from earthquakes. It is essential that the reinforcing steel used is ductile, meaning it must maintain its strength and not fail when subjected to stress and deformation.
Erasito warned that steel bars with excessive carbon or impurities could fail prematurely, leading to catastrophic structural failures. Thus, the need for compliant, ductile steel reinforcement in Fijian construction is critical.
Erasito also called on the government to finalize the Chartered Professional Engineers of Fiji Act, noting that the existing Engineers Registration Act of 1976 is inadequate. The Attorney-General’s office has yet to answer inquiries regarding proposed amendments to a 2020 Bill.
He also highlighted the need for uniform standards across the 13 municipal councils in Fiji, stating that all development projects should be endorsed by a Chartered Professional Engineer—spanning everything from residential home certifications to infrastructure projects like airfields, ports, and bridges.
Erasito further pointed out discrepancies in how development applications are managed by various councils, stressing that these inconsistencies impact developers, investors, and homeowners and need to be rectified for improved business practices in Fiji.