The Government has defended its record spending on roads, bridges and water infrastructure, saying the 2026/2027 National Budget will deliver safer transport links, more reliable water supplies and stronger public infrastructure while rejecting Opposition claims that the country's growing debt reflects poor financial management.
Speaking in support of the 2026/2027 National Budget in Parliament, Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau says his Ministry has been allocated $820.8 million, comprising $282.3 million for operating expenditure and $538.5 million for capital expenditure, to strengthen Fiji's critical infrastructure and improve service delivery across the country.
Ro Filipe says the allocation includes $370 million for the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), $291 million for the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF), $39 million for the Land Transport Authority and $9 million for the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji.
He says this level of investment demonstrates the Coalition Government's commitment to supporting economic growth while improving the quality of life for Fijians through better roads, water, transport and other essential services.
The Minister highlighted several achievements delivered by the Fiji Roads Authority during the 2025/2026 financial year despite adverse weather, emergency responses and ageing infrastructure.
He says FRA managed an infrastructure budget of $129 million, achieving an 89 percent utilisation rate, while its road, bridge and jetty maintenance programme exceeded expectations with a 112 percent utilisation rate.
Ro Filipe says major bridge projects continued across the country, including the Waidalice Bay Bridge, the JICA-funded Tamavua-i-Wai Bridge and the Balili bridges in Taveuni.
He says preparatory work has also been completed for bridge replacements in Serua, Laselase and Rabi Island, while contracts are expected to be awarded soon.
The Minister says FRA also completed planning for the installation of 20 new box culvert crossings across Viti Levu, Ovalau and the Northern Division to improve flood resilience and ensure rural communities remain connected during bad weather.
Looking ahead, Ro Filipe says FRA has been allocated $369 million for the new financial year, with $108 million specifically set aside for maintaining Fiji's existing road network and $8.5 million for road safety improvements.
He says about $21.6 million has been allocated to refurbish or replace 13 priority bridges, including Koronivia, Waidalice, Balili, Soqulu and Nalele bridges.
Ro Filipe says upgrading Koronivia Bridge will be treated as a priority because it serves as a critical access route into Suva.
He says work will also continue on the rehabilitation of Savusavu and Ellington jetties and the construction of the Vunikura Jetty, while community infrastructure projects such as bus shelters, school access roads and village road improvements will continue.
The Minister says Government has also allocated $2 million for coastal protection works and $3 million for coastal road extension projects to protect vulnerable road corridors from coastal erosion.
He adds that the People's Republic of China-funded road project worth about $300 million is currently in the contract bidding stage and is expected to significantly improve transport connectivity.
Turning to the water sector, Ro Filipe says the Water Authority of Fiji has been allocated $291 million for 2026/2027 to continue improving water security and wastewater services.
He says $81.3 million has been allocated to upgrade water treatment plants, pipelines and distribution networks across the country.
Among the key projects are the $18 million Suva Water Mains Upgrade, $2 million for the design of Stage Two of the Rewa River Water Supply Scheme, $10 million for rural water projects, $8 million for emergency works and $2.7 million to reduce water losses through leak detection and network improvements.
Ro Filipe says an additional $15.6 million has been allocated for wastewater projects, including $6 million for infrastructure upgrades at Denarau.
He also highlighted achievements by the Water Authority during the past financial year, including 4,947 new water connections, 241 new wastewater connections, and the launch of an apprenticeship programme in partnership with Fiji National University involving 86 apprentices, including 30 women.
Insert: Tuisawau on Development 14th July 26
Responding to criticism from the Opposition, Ro Filipe rejected claims that the Coalition Government has created Fiji's debt problem.
He says around 50 percent of the country's 68 percent current overseas loans were initiated under the previous government and those loans continue to fund ongoing development projects.
Ro Filipe says debt should be viewed in the context of investing in national development rather than simply focusing on the headline figures.
He says Fiji's debt increased from $2.8 billion in 2006 to $9.7 billion in 2022 under the previous administration, while under the Coalition Government it has increased from $9.7 billion to $12.5 billion.
The Minister says debt as a percentage of GDP has fallen from 91.8 percent in 2022 to about 82 percent, while Government has also recorded stronger revenue collection and lower principal loan repayments, which he says reflects prudent financial management.
Ro Filipe also defended the Government’s decision to write off student debt, saying he could not understand why the Opposition would want graduates to continue repaying those loans.
He also accused the Opposition of misleading the public over Government finances and said many of the legal costs currently being paid by Government stem from decisions made under the previous administration.
