Ongoing discussions are taking place to investigate claims regarding the quality of locally manufactured steel. This follows a letter of concern from Engineers Fiji to the Government, which suggested improvements for steel mesh reinforcement quality.
Shaheen Ali, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Trade, mentioned that the Standards team from the ministry is engaging in discussions with both Engineers Fiji and the manufacturer under scrutiny to gather and verify technical information. Updates will be provided to the minister, who will make recommendations to ensure that Fijian standards are upheld.
The letter, dated July 31 and signed by civil and structural engineer Krishmal Dutt alongside Engineers Fiji president Terence Erasito, addressed a ministerial request for industry feedback on including Ø6.3mm Grade 500L steel mesh reinforcement in Fiji’s trade standards. Engineers Fiji concluded that no amendment to trade standards is necessary for this inclusion. Instead, they emphasized that it is the engineer’s responsibility to determine the appropriate type of mesh reinforcement based on specific project needs.
Engineers Fiji advocates for a gradual phasing out of traditional mesh without the need for legislative enforcement. They conducted visits to various local steel manufacturers to gain insight into their production processes and quality control measures.
The visits revealed a few key issues, including the absence of independent quality control to ensure adherence to AS/NZS 4671 standards and inconsistencies in the mechanical properties of products from one of the manufacturing facilities. These findings led to recommendations aimed at improving safety and quality for both local manufacturers and the industry.
One notable claim came from a steel manufacturer asserting that they comply with certification standards recognized in Australia.
In response to the Government’s request for feedback, Engineers Fiji proposed a three-point plan:
1) Legislation for Independent Product Certification: Engineers Fiji calls for manufacturers of steel reinforcement to obtain certification from an internationally recognized organization, ensuring local products meet relevant standards.
2) Adoption of Current AS/NZS 4671 Standard: They advocate for Fiji to adopt the 2019 version of the AS/NZS 4671 standard to align with established engineering practices in Australia and New Zealand. This is crucial as the Fiji National Building Code stipulates compliance with the latest standards.
3) Transition from Traditional Mesh to Commonly Available Mesh in New Zealand: Engineers Fiji recommends transitioning from traditional mesh types to the updated types specified in the AS/NZS 4671 standard.
The necessity for upgrading mesh types stems from Fiji being in a seismic zone, where steel ductility is essential for safety. The availability of ductility Class E mesh, which is better suited for seismic conditions, supports this transition.
Amidst these industry concerns, it was noted that one manufacturer referenced in reports had launched a media campaign to promote its steel production. This same company is also involved in efforts to remove abandoned vessels from Suva harbor as a business venture.
The Government has indicated that any changes to the manufacturer’s media campaign would depend on the recommendations made to Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica, who has not yet responded to inquiries regarding this matter.