6 Jun 2017

No public threat from asbestos, says Fiji govt

9:07 pm on 6 June 2017

Fiji's government says building materials found containing asbestos in Suva last week have been sealed off and pose no danger to the public.

According to the Ministry of Employment, the Suva Civic Centre has been completely sealed off since last Thursday

Suva Civic Centre.

Suva Civic Centre. Photo: Suva City Council

It says air tests conducted in areas around the centre by Pacifica Environmental Services have confirmed that there is no threat of airborne contamination.

The public is not at-risk from asbestos in any areas near the Suva Civic Centre, according to the ministry.

The building materials have been prepared for removal, but the Ministry says it won't proceed with the removal until a plan is in place that meets international standards.

It says it's working with the City Council, Department of Environment and New Zealand contracting firm, Contract Environmental, to finalise the plan for the removal of the materials this week.

Air sampling is to be conducted throughout the removal process.