Discussions are currently underway regarding allegations of substandard steel production within the country. This follows a letter of concern from Engineers Fiji to the Government, which included recommendations for enhancing the quality of steel mesh reinforcement. Shaheen Ali, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Trade, stated that the standards team is engaging in ongoing discussions with Engineers Fiji and the manufacturer involved to confirm the relevant technical information, which will be verified.
Ali mentioned that the Minister would be kept informed, and suggestions would be made to ensure compliance with Fijian standards. The letter, dated July 31 and signed by civil and structural engineer Krishmal Dutt and Engineers Fiji president Terence Erasito, is a response to a request for feedback on including Ø6.3mm Grade 500L steel mesh reinforcement in Fiji’s trade standards.
Engineers Fiji indicated that an amendment for this inclusion is not necessary and emphasized the engineer’s duty to evaluate project-specific needs when making decisions regarding mesh reinforcement. They suggested a gradual phase-out of traditional mesh types without enforcing this through legislation.
Engineers Fiji conducted site visits to various steel manufacturers to gain insights into the processes behind steel mesh production, focusing on operational details and quality controls. Their findings highlighted a lack of independent quality control ensuring compliance with AS/NZS 4671 standards, as well as variations in locally manufactured steel mesh reinforcement.
Engineers Fiji’s recommendations aim to provide a roadmap for the industry and local manufacturers while addressing potential risks associated with using and exporting mesh reinforcements. One manufacturer claimed to meet certification standards recognized in Australia.
In response to the Government’s request for input concerning the standard of steel mesh reinforcement, Engineers Fiji proposed a three-point action plan:
1) Implement Legislation for Independent Product Certification: They called for regulations mandating steel reinforcement manufacturers, both for mesh and bar, to obtain independent certification from a globally acknowledged organization, such as the Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels (ACRS).
2) Adoption of the Current AS/NZS 4671 Standard: Engineers Fiji recommended adopting the latest version of this standard (2019) to align with contemporary engineering practices in Australia and New Zealand, highlighting that the Fiji National Building Code requires adherence to the latest versions of these standards.
3) Transition from Traditional Mesh to Common Mesh Used in New Zealand: Despite the availability of upgraded standards, Fiji still relies on older mesh types from 2001. The organization argued that transitioning to the newer mesh types specified in AS/NZS 4671 is necessary since both Australia and New Zealand have adopted unique, updated mesh specifications.
They justified the upgrade from traditional to contemporary mesh types, citing Fiji’s seismic environment where steel ductility is essential. Engineers expressed that Ductility Class E mesh, designed for seismic resilience, is readily available for use in Fiji.
In light of industry apprehensions, it was noted that one manufacturer mentioned in a report had initiated a promotional campaign for its steel production. This same manufacturer is also working on removing abandoned vessels from the Suva harbor as a business endeavor without a formal contract. While the Government stated that any changes in the company’s media activities depend on recommendations presented to Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica, he did not respond to inquiries about the matter. The Ministry indicated that recommendations would be proposed to address the ongoing advertisement issues.