Substandard timber treatment in Fiji's market sparks national concern - Bainivalu

Substandard timber treatment in Fiji's market sparks national concern - Bainivalu

By Iliana Biutu
Monday 30/09/2024
Source : Parliament of the Republic of Fiji

The status of timber treatment in Fiji, particularly the issue of selling substandard treated timber in the domestic market, is a cause of concern and has become a critical national interest.

This has been highlighted by Minister of Fisheries and Forestry, Alitia Bainivalu in parliament where she highlighted the main purpose of treating timber with chemicals to be able to last longer in service and to avoid termites.

Bainivalu says without treatment, many species of timber, including pine, will not be suitable for use in exposed and ground contact situations.

She says it is important to note that timber with chemicals is not only part of the solution but proper design of buildings and proper specification of building materials go into ensuring that we are better protected, especially against termites.

The Minister for Forestry says it must however be noted that the treating of timber with chemicals is not compulsory. She says this is because some untreated timber from species such as pine can be used without any problems for some specific end uses, especially for non-load bearing and in fully protected situations and out of ground contact.

Opposition MP, Semi Koroilavesau says out of the eight types of treatment, the main treatment is to treat against insects and termites.

Koroilavesau says people who live in rural areas should not be relying on the chemicals at all times but can utilise traditional knowledge of conserving timber to last longer.

He adds the issue highlighted by the Minister of Forestry will enlighten the minds of people and make them more informed about the different aspects of the treatment of timber and the termites and insects that attack timber.

FEATURE NEWS
2013 Constitution Amendment Bill defeated
The Bill to amend the 2013 Constitution has been defeated in Parliament as the Government did not meet the 75 percent requirement. 40 MPs voted for...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Constitutional content must come from the people's voices - Vosarogo
The content of the constitution will be from the people, as it belongs to them, and will be presented to the members of the opposition during ...
5 minutes ago

Sachida Nand and Shalen Kumar support Constitution amendment
Opposition MPs Sachida Nand and Shalen Kumar supported the motion to amend the 2013 Constitution as they believe that it is a living document and ...
9 minutes ago

Opposition MP Hem Chand opposes the rush to amend Constitution Amendment Bill
Opposition Member of Parliament, Hem Chand has voted against the Constitution Amendment Bill as he says that any amendment in the 2013 Constitution ...
6 hours ago

Buresolei and Cagi facing meth related charges cannot be located
Anare Buresolei and Luisa Cagi who are charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine are yet to be located by the investigation ...
6 hours ago

FTUC supports efforts to amend the Constitution - Anthony
The Fiji Trades Union Congress supports the coalition government’s efforts to amend the 2013 Constitution. FTUC National Secretary, Felix ...
6 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Reverend Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Watch the General Secretary of Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, Reverend Simione Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
13 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and William Parkinson
Chairman of Communications Fiji Limited, parent company of FM96, LegendFM, VitiFM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam, fijivillage and PNGFM, William Parkinson ...
13 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and Adi Tulia Nacola
The candid interview focuses on Nacola, coming from a chiefly family and being a daughter of a Minister who was ousted in the 1987 military coup, her ...
14 days ago

TOP