The National Fire Authority (NFA) is grappling with challenges tied to outdated service fees and a shortage of personnel, affecting its ability to meet fire safety and compliance demands. Joel Israel, the NFA’s Manager of Safety, Compliance, and Properties, noted that current fees do not adequately compensate for the professional time, inspections, and compliance efforts required.
With only eight to nine officers overseeing hundreds of submissions nationwide, the increasing complexity of building designs and a rising need for trained professionals further strain the NFA’s limited resources. Israel remarked on the growing demand for expertise in fields such as engineering and fire safety, stating, “Our current fees cannot support this need.”
In the previous financial year, the NFA received over 200 submissions from various divisions, prompting proposals to revise service fees to better reflect the actual costs involved and to facilitate upgrades in staffing and technology. This move aims not only to enhance service delivery but also to ensure compliance with safety standards as outlined in the National Building Code.
This push for a fee revision is reminiscent of earlier proposals for increased fees concerning building inspections and plan vetting services announced by CEO Puamau Sowane, which were intended to adapt to rising operational costs. Such adjustments are essential as the NFA continues to face an increase in fire-related damages, rising from $23 million to $26 million, largely attributed to inadequate building compliance.
In light of these developments, the NFA plans to conduct public consultations to engage community feedback on these necessary changes, reflecting a commitment to transparency and collaborative improvement of fire safety measures across Fiji. With ongoing efforts and community involvement, there is a hopeful outlook for the future, suggesting that the NFA can evolve its processes to better protect lives and properties.
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