Corruption must not undermine fire safety: NFA chief

Collusion and corrupt practices must not be allowed to undermine safety standards, says National Fire Authority (NFA) chief executive officer, Puamau Sowane .

Speaking at the Fiji Occupational Health and Safety Conference 2026 in Nadi last week, Mr Sowane stressed the importance of fire safety, prevention, and compliance in workplaces, as well as the need for effective emergency preparedness plans.

“This brings us closer to realising the critical importance of the work carried out on the ground by safety inspectors to ensure the safety of people and property through our legislative role,” he said.

“I want to highlight the importance of conducting honest and credible fire safety inspections, along with all other building compliance checks, including OHS inspections, and the severe consequences if standards are compromised.”

Mr Sowane cited major international fire tragedies as examples of what can happen when safety failures, negligence, and poor oversight intersect.

He said investigations into such incidents often reveal recurring issues, including the use of combustible materials, manipulation of testing and information, regulatory failures in building control and inspections, corporate negligence, and the dismissal of residents’ safety concerns.

This year’s conference theme, “Good Psychosocial Working Environments: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organisations,” was timely, he said.

“We focus on deadlines, innovation, and growth, but there is one silent partner in our daily operations that deserves our undivided attention: fire safety.”

Mr Sowane acknowledged the Government for its continued commitment to strengthening workplace safety, regulatory reform, and national occupational health and safety resilience.

“The progress we are witnessing today in occupational health and safety is not by chance—it is the result of deliberate policy direction, stronger enforcement, and a shared vision to protect the lives of all Fijians,” he said.

“Fire safety and occupational health and safety are not separate responsibilities; they are fundamentally interconnected.

“Every safe workplace must be protected from fire risks, and every fire-safe environment must uphold strong occupational health and safety standards.

“Together, they form the foundation of a resilient and productive nation.”