Fiji private building code voluntary - PM

The government of Fiji says the new building code proposed for private homes after Cyclone Winston is voluntary.

The prime minister, Frank Bainimarama, told people on Vanua Levu that members of the public would be given a choice on whether they wished to adhere to the code.

According to the Fiji Times, he said his government would adopt a building code recommended by the Fiji Institute of Engineers to build public structures including schools, hospitals and civil servant quarters.

Mr Bainimarama said people tended to tailor their construction plans according to what they had in their pockets and often diverted from the code.

However, he said it was advisable for those wishing to rebuild their homes to adhere to the proposed code.

Thousands of houses were destroyed by Cyclone Winston in February, prompting calls to lift the standard of housing.