Four critical bridges valued at $400 million have to be replaced and this will be done by concessional loan and grant financing through the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.
Dpeuty Prime Minister, Professor Biman Prasad says this includes the replacement of the Lami Bridge at Suvavou, Medraukutu Bridge near the Lami Cement Factory, Sabeto Bridge, and Viseisei Bridge linking Nadi and Lautoka.
The Fiji Roads Authority is provided a funding of $388 million, an increase of $37 million from the previous year.
This includes almost $120 million for road maintenance.
$74 million is allocated for road renewals, replacement and resealing, $23 million for footpaths and bus shelters and $30 million for new sealing and upgrading of community and rural roads, including around $5 million for the tar sealing of Kavanagasau road (Laselase to Naroro) and also for Biausevu Road in Sigatoka and Vuci, Naduru and Koronivia roads in Nausori.
$16 million is provided for the maintenance of our jetties in Koro, Moala, Lomaloma, Vunisea, Nabouwalu, Savusavu, Taveuni and Rabi.
The government is working with the Asian Development Bank on 3 major investment projects to revamp the jetties in Nabouwalu, Natovi and Savusavu.
There are also major plans being worked out to ease traffic in the major urban centres, including from Lami to Suva and Suva to Nausori, Nadi to Lautoka and in Labasa town area.
FRA is working on options for road widening, provision of footpath and bicycle lanes, improved lighting and introducing smart traffic signal systems.
They are also providing $500,000 for feasibility study on a flyover road from Suva to Nausori.
The government is also commencing the Labasa Bypass Project.
This long-awaited infrastructure development will ease mobility in the Northern Division.
By diverting traffic around the town, particularly during peak periods such as the cane crushing season, they will reduce congestion, improve safety, and enhance the efficiency of commercial and personal transport.
They are investing in approximately 82 kilometres of upgraded rural roads, with a focus on strategic corridors such as the Nabouwalu, Wailevu West Coast, and Natewa West Roads funded by government of China.
The government is also working with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to undertake a major investment to fix our rural road infrastructure.
