Confusion caused by irregularities by engineers in issuing cyclone certificates – Jenkins

The Construction Industry Council says they have met and discussed that there is confusion caused by irregularities by engineers in issuing cyclone certificates.

Council President Gordon Jenkins says it appears that there are no specific guidelines provided by the Fiji Institute of Engineers nor the Insurance Council, and it seems that it is presently at the discretion of an engineer to determine the certificate coverage.

The Council has contacted the Insurance Council for a way forward in clearing up the confusion.

Jenkins says a clarification meeting between the insurance industry and the engineers is now planned.

He says there is a real need for improved communications between all corners of the industry.

The council will also announce its decision on holding its 2021 conference at its April executive meeting.

Jenkins made the comment following the council executive meeting.

He says the interest shown both locally and overseas in holding the conference is gratifying but the decision rests on many factors, the most important is COVID 19 and where they will be further into the year.

Jenkins also says the delegates in their two previous conferences have urged the Construction Industry Council to pursue a number of challenges facing the industry, including contracts, standards, licensing and the National Building Code.

Plans have also advanced towards developing a reference library to be located at the council headquarters; and research is underway on the requirements needed towards making this operational, particularly access to current standards applicable to the Fiji construction industry.