An investigation has been initiated concerning the steel reinforcement produced and distributed in Fiji. Engineers Fiji confirmed the “due diligence exercise” following inquiries from SunBiz about the quality of locally manufactured steel.
Terence Erasito, president of Engineers Fiji, stated that once the investigation is completed, more detailed responses regarding the query will be provided on behalf of the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, which operates under Fiji Standards.
Erasito raised concerns about the potential dangers of using substandard reinforcement steel in construction, noting that structures in Fiji are primarily designed and built according to New Zealand Standards. He emphasized that using inferior steel reinforcement would violate the Fiji National Building Code and New Zealand Standards. As a result, non-compliant structures may not perform as intended, which could lead to varying degrees of risk depending on the level of non-compliance.
For structures such as buildings, bridges, towers, and wharves that utilize reinforced concrete, it is crucial that they can withstand lateral loads from seismic events safely. Erasito highlighted that occupants must be able to evacuate safely during earthquakes. To achieve this, the reinforcing steel used in construction must be ductile, meaning that its chemical composition should allow it to prevent loss of strength or premature failure during deformations, such as swaying due to tension and shear forces.
He warned that if steel reinforcement bars contain excessive carbon or impurities, they risk breaking prematurely, which could result in catastrophic structural failures. Therefore, ensuring that Fiji uses compliant, ductile steel is essential.
In addition, Erasito reiterated the need for the government to finalize and endorse the Chartered Professional Engineers of Fiji Act, despite the existence of the Engineers Registration Act of 1976. The Attorney-General’s office has not yet responded to inquiries about potential amendments to a bill from 2020.
Erasito also urged the Ministry for Local Government, which supervises 13 municipal councils—including two city and 11 town councils—to ensure consistency in requiring all developments in Fiji to be approved by a Chartered Professional Engineer. This encompasses projects from residential home certifications to larger infrastructure developments like airfields, ports, roads, jetties, and bridges.
He emphasized the vital role professional engineers play as guardians of civil society, advocating for recognition of their responsibilities by the Fiji Government. Erasito mentioned several inconsistencies in how development applications are processed across various municipal councils, noting that these discrepancies impact developers, investors, and homeowners, highlighting the need for reform in business practices within Fiji.