An investigation has been initiated concerning the steel reinforcement produced and distributed in Fiji. Engineers Fiji has confirmed this ‘due diligence exercise’ following inquiries from SunBiz about the quality of local steel manufacturing. Terence Erasito, the president of Engineers Fiji, stated that the organization, on behalf of the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, will provide a comprehensive response once the investigation concludes.
Erasito raised concerns regarding the potential hazards associated with using substandard steel reinforcement in construction, noting that structures in Fiji are generally designed according to New Zealand Standards. He emphasized that the use of inferior steel could lead to non-compliance with both the Fiji National Building Code and New Zealand Standards, resulting in structures that may not perform as intended during seismic events.
For buildings, bridges, towers, and wharves constructed with reinforced concrete, it is essential that these structures can withstand lateral loads, such as those from earthquakes, in a flexible manner. Erasito stated that safe evacuation of occupants during an earthquake relies on the ductility of the reinforcing steel used in construction. He explained that the chemical makeup of the steel bars must allow them to deform without losing strength under stress.
Erasito warned that excessive carbon content or impurities in the steel could lead to premature failure, which could result in catastrophic structural failures. He stressed the significance of using compliant, ductile steel in Fiji’s construction projects.
In addition, Erasito reiterated the need for the government to finalize and endorse the Chartered Professional Engineers of Fiji Act. Although the government has cited the Engineers Registration Act from 1976, it has not yet responded to inquiries regarding amendments to a Bill proposed in 2020. He urged the Ministry for Local Government to enforce that all developments in Fiji be endorsed by a Chartered Professional Engineer, which would ensure consistency across projects, including residential homes and infrastructure developments.
Erasito described professional engineers as vital guardians of civil society and highlighted the necessity for the government to acknowledge this role and foster an environment that upholds the professional standards and integrity of engineers in Fiji. He also pointed out inconsistencies in how municipal councils handle development applications, suggesting that these discrepancies negatively impact developers, investors, and homeowners and require resolution.