Discussions are underway to investigate claims regarding the quality of steel produced in Fiji. Shaheen Ali, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Trade, provided this update following a letter from Engineers Fiji expressing concerns and suggesting solutions for enhancing the quality of steel mesh reinforcement.
Ali stated that the Ministry’s Standards team is in continuous communication with Engineers Fiji and the manufacturing company involved to confirm the technical details in question. He assured that the Minister would receive updates along with recommendations aimed at ensuring compliance with Fiji’s standards.
The letter, dated July 31 and signed by civil and structural engineer Krishmal Dutt and Engineers Fiji president Terence Erasito, was a response to a governmental request for industry input concerning the inclusion of Ø6.3mm Grade 500L steel mesh reinforcement in Fiji’s trade standards. Engineers Fiji concluded from its industry review that an amendment to the Trade Standards to include this type of mesh reinforcement is unnecessary.
Despite the recommendation, Engineers Fiji emphasized the engineer’s responsibility to evaluate project-specific needs and make informed choices regarding the type of mesh reinforcement used. They advocated for a natural phase-out of traditional mesh types rather than enforcing such changes through legislation.
The Engineers Fiji delegation visited several local steel manufacturers to gain firsthand insights into the steel mesh reinforcement production process. Their report highlighted significant issues, such as a lack of independent quality control and inconsistencies in the mechanical properties of the steel produced.
In response to these challenges, Engineers Fiji outlined a three-point plan for enhancing industry standards:
1) Implementation of Legislation for Independent Product Certification: Engineers Fiji is calling for laws that mandate steel reinforcement manufacturers to acquire independent certification from recognized organizations, ensuring the local steel complies with relevant standards.
2) Adoption of Current AS/NZS 4671 Standard: Engineers Fiji advocates for the adoption of the 2019 version of this standard, which would align Fiji’s practices with those of Australia and New Zealand and meet the Fiji National Building Code requirements.
3) Transition from Traditional Mesh to Modern Mesh Options: Engineers Fiji noted the urgency of moving from outdated mesh types to those specified in the latest Australian and New Zealand standards, reflecting a need for improved seismic safety standards in Fiji.
The organization expressed concerns about the current reliance on older steel types, particularly in a seismically active region like Fiji, where the use of ductile steel is essential.
Amid ongoing discussions, concerns have been raised regarding a steel manufacturer involved in a media campaign attempting to promote its products while also undertaking initiatives such as the removal of abandoned vessels from Suva harbor without official agreements. The government has stressed that any modifications to this manufacturer’s media strategy will depend on the forthcoming recommendations for the Trade Minister, Manoa Kamikamica, who has yet to respond to inquiries regarding this matter.