The Suva City Council has been advised by an independent panel of engineers to engage a reputable structural engineering firm overseas to carry out an independent assessment of WG Friendship Plaza which is currently being constructed along Suva’s McGregor Road.

Fijivillage can confirm that the independent panel included three local engineers who purely advised the Suva City Council and did not in any way give their review about the construction of the 28 storey building.

The independent panel has referred all questions to the Suva City Council.

Officials have told Fijivillage that the Suva City Council is working on the advice given by the independent panel.

The independent panel advised the Suva City Council after there were claims about structural steel frames corroding at the building site and also the materials not being up to standard.

Officials have also confirmed that an order to stop work at the WG Friendship Plaza was not given by the SCC.

We asked SCC CEO, Bijay Chand for a comment on the advise by the independent panel and he said they had been directed to refer all questions to the Ministry of Local government.

Fijivillage has also contacted Minister for Local Government, Parveen Bala.

He is yet to respond.

WG International Real Estate Company Fiji Limited spokesperson, William Wu says the only notice they received was from the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Tourism after concerns that the materials they were using were not up to standard but this problem was resolved after necessary checks were made.

The engineering company consulting on the construction of the 28 storey luxury hotel and convention center says they are following all the right processes.

Engineered Designs Director Vijay Krishnan Krishnan says he is aware of the independent panel but is also concerned that they have not contacted Engineered Designs which is the engineering consultant on the project.

He says they will make a comprehensive statement tomorrow to expose those spreading wrong information about the project.

Work on the WG Friendship Plaza began in 2016 and is expected to be completed in May 2019.

The plaza will be the tallest building in Fiji when it is completed.