Discussions are currently underway to investigate claims regarding the quality of steel manufactured in the country. Shaheen Ali, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Trade, made this statement following a letter of concern from Engineers Fiji directed to the Government, which suggested measures for enhancing the quality of steel mesh reinforcement.
Mr. Ali indicated that the Standards team from the Ministry of Trade is actively engaging with Engineers Fiji and the manufacturer involved to gather and verify technical information. He noted that updates will be provided to the minister, who will then make recommendations 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, responded to a ministerial request for industry feedback regarding the inclusion of Ø6.3mm Grade 500L steel mesh reinforcement in Fiji’s trade standards. Engineers Fiji concluded that an amendment to the Trade Standards was not necessary based on their inquiry.
Despite this recommendation, Engineers Fiji emphasized the responsibility of engineers to evaluate project-specific requirements and make well-informed decisions regarding the type of mesh reinforcement used. They advocate for a natural transition away from traditional mesh, recommending that this should occur without the need for legislative enforcement.
Engineers Fiji conducted visits to several steel manufacturers in the country to gain firsthand insights into the processes involved in the production of steel mesh reinforcement. These visits aimed to enhance their understanding of operations, quality control measures, and local products.
The findings from these visits revealed a lack of independent quality control to ensure that manufacturers consistently meet AS/NZS 4671 standards, as well as non-compliance issues related to mechanical properties at one of the two facilities tested. There were also variations in the types of locally manufactured steel mesh reinforcement.
The recommendations put forth by Engineers Fiji are intended to support the industry and local manufacturers while addressing the associated risks in the use and export of mesh reinforcements. One manufacturer claims to uphold a certification standard recognized by Australia.
In response to the Government’s request for industry input on the standard of steel mesh reinforcement, Engineers Fiji outlined a three-point plan for improvement:
1. Legislation for Independent Product Certification: Engineers Fiji seeks legislation requiring steel reinforcement manufacturers to obtain certification from an internationally recognized organization, similar to the Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels (ACRS). This certification would affirm that locally produced steel reinforcement meets relevant standards.
2. Adoption of Current AS/NZS 4671 Standard: Engineers Fiji proposes that the latest version of the AS/NZS 4671 standard (2019 version) be officially adopted as the standard for Fiji, aligning the country with contemporary engineering practices in Australia and New Zealand. This adoption is crucial as the Fiji National Building Code mandates the use of the most current version of these standards.
3. Transition from Traditional Mesh to Commonly Available Mesh Types in New Zealand: The organization notes that while the local industry still relies on traditional mesh types, the upgraded 2019 standard has already replaced these in Australia and New Zealand. They believe it would be wise for Fiji to shift towards the mesh types specified in the updated AS/NZS 4671 standard.
Engineers Fiji justifies the need for upgrading the mesh types from the 2001 to the 2019 version, especially considering Fiji’s location in a seismic zone where steel ductility is crucial. They noted that Ductility Class E mesh, suitable for seismic applications, is readily available in Fiji, which differs from the lower ductility classes typically used.
Meanwhile, amid rising industry concerns, it has come to light that one manufacturer mentioned in industry discussions has launched a media campaign to promote its steel production. This same company is also involved in initiatives to clear derelict vessels from Suva harbour as a business opportunity, despite lacking a formal contract. The Government has stated that any changes to the manufacturer’s media campaign will depend on the recommendations submitted to Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica, who has yet to respond to inquiries on this matter.