Ongoing discussions are focused on addressing concerns regarding the quality of steel produced domestically. Shaheen Ali, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Trade, indicated that the Ministry’s Standards team is engaging with Engineers Fiji and the relevant steel manufacturer to gather and verify technical information.
The engagement follows a letter from Engineers Fiji expressing apprehensions and suggesting ways to enhance the quality of steel mesh reinforcement in response to a ministerial request for industry feedback on including Ø6.3mm Grade 500L steel mesh in Fiji’s trade standards. The letter, dated July 31 and authored by civil and structural engineer Krishmal Dutt and Engineers Fiji president Terence Erasito, stated that no amendments to the trade standards for this inclusion were necessary. Nevertheless, Engineers Fiji emphasized that it is the engineers’ duty to evaluate individual project needs and choose suitable reinforcement types accordingly.
Engineers Fiji argues for a gradual phase-out of traditional mesh types without imposing legal enforcement. The organization conducted visits to several steel manufacturing facilities to gain insight into the production processes and quality control measures in place.
These visits revealed a lack of independent quality assurance ensuring manufacturers consistently adhere to AS/NZS 4671 standards, as well as variations in the locally produced steel mesh. The recommendations made by Engineers Fiji aim to enhance industry practices and mitigate the risks associated with using and exporting mesh reinforcements.
In response to the government’s request for feedback on mesh steel reinforcement standards, Engineers Fiji proposed a three-point plan:
1. **Legislation for Independent Product Certification**: Engineers Fiji seeks the introduction of legislation requiring steel reinforcement manufacturers to obtain certifications from internationally recognized organizations, such as the Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels (ACRS), to ensure compliance with relevant standards.
2. **Adoption of Current AS/NZS 4671 Standard**: The organization calls for the adoption of the latest 2019 version of the AS/NZS 4671 standard in Fiji to align with contemporary engineering practices in Australia and New Zealand. This standard outlines minimum requirements for product conformity and mandates that testing laboratories meet specific requirements.
3. **Transition from Traditional Mesh to Commonly Available Mesh in New Zealand**: While Fiji still predominantly uses traditional mesh types, Engineers Fiji recommends transitioning to newer mesh types as specified by AS/NZS 4671, reflecting the upgrades made from the 2001 to 2019 standards.
The upgrades are considered necessary due to Fiji’s seismic zone, which necessitates the use of ductile steel. Engineers Fiji advocates for the use of Ductility Class E mesh, which is readily available, contrasting it with non-structural types associated with lower ductility.
Amidst rising industry concerns, it has been noted that a manufacturer mentioned in related reports has initiated a media campaign to promote its steel products. This same manufacturer is also involved in efforts to remove abandoned vessels from the Suva harbour without a formal contract. The government has stated that any amendments to the company’s advertising strategies are dependent on recommendations that will be provided to Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica. The minister has yet to respond to inquiries regarding this matter.