Two of the three buildings given a stop-work order because of non-compliance to the National Building Code have been allowed to continue with construction.

Yue Lai Hotel and a five-storey building being developed in Robertson Road have been given the green light to start operations after they provided the Suva City Council with the requirements.

The WG Friendship Plaza, which is poised to become the highest building in Fiji and the Pacific with 28 storeys, still has the stop order effective.

The council had issued the stop orders after asking the respective companies to provide details of the fire rating of the steel given being used in the construction of the high rise buildings.

Suva and Lami special administrator chair, Isikeli Tikoduadua, said they were informed that the owners of the WG Plaza were stuck in China because of COVID-19.

“We are trying our best to liaise with the engineers and ensure that the project is completed. We want this project to be completed,” he said.

“As we speak, we have revised our checklist for the city council’s engineering approval and all these things would need to be done progressively.

“The council hopes construction can start soon however we need the fire certification before we can give the green light.”

The WG Friendship Plaza is owned by WG International Real Estate Company Fiji Limited, which is believed to have invested more than $150 million into the development.

The building has been dogged by legal claims from neighbours over encroachment and a subject to various stop orders.

Suva City Council is hoping that the owners get in touch with relevant authorities to commence work.

Edited by Ivamere Nataro

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