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‘More Resilient Building Designs Needed’

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Importance of more resilient building designs for Fiji’s climatic conditions cannot be overstated.

Speaking at the Fiji Building Designers Association workshop at Holiday Inn, Suva, Minister for Infrastructure, Jone Usumate said with recent severe tropi­cal cyclones, better building designs were needed to minimise infrastructure dam­age.

Mr Usumate said there was a focus on resilient infrastructure under the Fiji National Building Code.

“Post the severe tropical cyclones, we are currently reviewing the building code and also relooking at policies around en­gineering and architecture, so our struc­tures are strong enough,” he said.

“I am glad FBDA is also looking to im­prove drawing standards on areas of building application.

“In this sense, the Ministry of Infra­structure and FBDA have a common goal.”

Suva City Council building inspector, Maika Ratumudu has encouraged FBDA to work closely with government.

“We have had to revoke building applica­tions previously because designers were not properly accredited,” Mr Ratumudu said.

“Push for accreditation so consent is easily given for construction of building which is also safer.”

Meanwhile, Mr Usumate also highlight­ed COVID-19 pandemic had badly affected the economy.

He said the economy could be regener­ated through ‘function of confidence.’

“Our investors need to be confident in our businesses, that if they invest money, they will get it back,” he said.

“Additionally, banks also need to be con­fident to lend money.

“I want to congratulate FBDA for recog­nising the need to consolidate and find ways to educate yourselves to meet opti­mal business standards.

“This is not only beneficial for your company or your livelihood, but also Fi­ji’s economy.”

FBDA president, Shailendra Mudaliar said while infrastructural development had halted due to the global pandemic, the workshop would enhance knowledge and skills needed for the building design fraternity.

Feedback: shreya.kumar@fijisun.com.fj


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