Sub-standard buildings blamed for fire cases

INCREASED fire damage to commercial properties in recent years is partly due to a rise in sub-standard building material entering the market, says Badili Hardware chair Ashok Kumar.
He told The National that market newcomers had come in to make profit with little regard for product quality assurance to their clients, leading to low quality and high risk infrastructure.
“Unfortunately, we see all around sub-standard building material that is being sold by some new suppliers,” Kumar said.
“We at Badili Hardware do not want to be part of that.
“Building suppliers have to make sure their products are backed up by quality accreditation and standards, otherwise they fail within a few years.
“We supply products to the standards of authorities in Australia and New Zealand and they have been tested and trialed.”
Kumar said it was important for national development that business houses dealt with construction suppliers with credibility and quality products.
“There were unfortunate incidents of fires on buildings in Waigani and recently Gerehu, resulting in loss of investment, stock and also employment for those who worked there,” he said.
“Instances of fire can be minimised and eradicated if the right materials are used.
“For instance, the PPG paint that we supply has been developed for such cases, with costing meant for steel.
“There are suppliers that may bring low quality materials not only for paint, but other items like timber and electrical items which pose this risk.
“Suppliers to the construction industry have a role to play in nation-building and like us, need to make sure they do their part in terms of supplying quality materials.”