Discussions are currently taking place to investigate allegations regarding the quality of locally produced steel. Shaheen Ali, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Trade, shared this update following a letter of concern from Engineers Fiji to the Government, which also provided recommendations aimed at enhancing the quality of steel mesh reinforcement.
“The Standards team from the Ministry of Trade is engaged in ongoing discussions with Engineers Fiji and the implicated manufacturer to evaluate the technical information, which will be validated,” Mr. Ali stated. “The minister will receive updates, and suggestions will be made to ensure compliance with Fijian standards.”
The letter, dated July 31 and co-signed by civil and structural engineer Krishmal Dutt and Engineers Fiji president Terence Erasito, responds to a ministerial inquiry regarding the potential inclusion of Ø6.3mm Grade 500L steel mesh reinforcement in Fiji’s trade standards. Engineers Fiji’s findings indicated that an amendment to the Trade Standards for this inclusion is unnecessary.
Engineers Fiji emphasized that it is the responsibility of engineers to evaluate the specific requirements of each project and make educated choices concerning the type of mesh reinforcement utilized. They suggested a gradual move away from traditional mesh without legislative enforcement.
To gain a better understanding of local steel manufacturing processes, Engineers Fiji visited several manufacturers. These visits aimed to assess operational details, quality control measures, and the attributes of local products. Their findings indicated a lack of independent quality control to ensure compliance with AS/NZS 4671, along with discrepancies in the mechanical properties observed during tests in some facilities, and variations in locally produced steel mesh reinforcement types.
The resulting recommendations from Engineers Fiji aim to guide the industry and support local manufacturers while mitigating risks associated with using and exporting mesh reinforcements.
In response to the Government’s request for feedback on mesh steel reinforcement standards, Engineers Fiji proposed a three-point action plan.
Firstly, they called for legislation mandating that steel reinforcement manufacturers obtain independent product certification from internationally recognized bodies, similar to the Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels (ACRS). This certification would ensure that locally produced steel reinforcement meets relevant standards and would address issues that arise when test results indicate non-compliance.
Secondly, Engineers Fiji advocates for the adoption of the current AS/NZS 4671 standard, specifically the 2019 version, as Fiji’s official standard. Implementing this standard would align Fiji with modern engineering practices in Australia and New Zealand and is essential as the Fiji National Building Code requires the use of the latest standards in these regions.
Lastly, Engineers Fiji stressed the need to transition from traditional mesh types to the mesh types currently utilized in New Zealand. While the industry has begun using the updated 2019 standard, Fiji still adheres to the 2001 grade. They noted that New Zealand’s structural mesh types offer better ductility, which is crucial for Fiji, a region prone to seismic activity.
In the meantime, amidst rising concerns, it has been reported that a particular manufacturer involved in these discussions is conducting a media campaign to promote its steel production. This manufacturer is also pursuing the removal of derelict vessels from the Suva harbor as a business venture without a formal agreement. The Government has emphasized that any changes to the company’s media efforts will depend on recommendations made to Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica, who has not yet responded to inquiries.