The Ministry for Forests and Fisheries is actively overseeing the activities of all timber treatment facilities across the nation as stipulated by the Forest (Timber Preservations) Regulation 1992.
In response to a media statement from Opposition MP Premila Kumar regarding the Ministry’s role in timber treatment in Fiji, Minister Alitia Bainivalu noted that there are currently 29 registered timber treatment plants in the country, with 14 of them licensed to operate this year.
Bainivalu explained that these plants are re-licensed every year and undergo monitoring every quarter. The monitoring process assesses operator competency, health and safety practices, and quality control measures. During this monitoring, timber samples are collected monthly to test for the concentration and penetration of preservative chemicals to ensure compliance with established standards.
The primary goal of treating timber with chemicals is to safeguard it against insect damage and fungal decay, thereby enhancing its durability and extending its service life. According to Bainivalu, untreated timber, including pine, may not be suitable for use in situations where it is exposed or in contact with the ground.
“Timber treatment significantly prolongs the lifespan of wood, especially for species with lower natural durability, including some native timber and major plantation species. However, it should be noted that chemical treatment is not mandatory, as some untreated timbers, like pine, can be effectively used for specific purposes, particularly in non-load-bearing applications and in fully protected environments,” she stated.
The Minister also mentioned that certain native species possess heartwood that is naturally durable and does not require treatment. She emphasized that consumers have the option to choose between treated and untreated timber based on their needs.
“Timber processors are required to adhere to current legislation regarding quality and safety standards only when they choose to engage in timber treatment,” she added.