ASBESTOS containing material which was identified at the Kwong Tiy Plaza building in Mark St, Suva has been well contained and does not pose any threat to tenants and surrounding public.
This was confirmed by the property owner – Fiji National Provident Fund in a statement today.
The fund stated that asbestos-containing material was found in the fascia board and roofing insulation by the National Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Service of the Ministry of Employment.
“FNPF acknowledges its obligations as the property owner and is working closely with nominated consultants, asbestos removal contractor and the Ministry of Employment, in line with the Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos and international best practices to safely remove the asbestos-containing material,” the statement said.
The fund acquired the Kwong Tiy Plaza Building in 1994. Built in the early 1980’s, it was common for asbestos to be used in most buildings constructed or renovated at that time.
FNPF said air monitoring would be conducted regularly throughout the removal process to ensure that there were no airborne threats to the general public, workplace and the surrounding environment.
“The FNPF sees its role as vital in dealing with the matter responsibly and requests the understanding and cooperation of our stakeholders in regards to this matter.”
