Fijians can expect an upgrade to the roads and bridges after the Australian Government through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility in the Pacific invested an equivalent of FJ$117 million in financing to support the restoration and upgrade of key roads and bridges across Fiji.
Australian Chargé d'Affaires, John Williams says their financing package includes a FJ$24 million grant component.
FJ$93 million is concessional loan.
He adds this financing will support the Fiji Roads Authority in the renewal and resealing of more than 1.5 million square metres of road surface throughout Fiji as well as the replacement of 9 bridges which are all important road infrastructure and crucial to the economy in connecting people and markets.
He says this will be AIFFP's 11th investment they have signed, disbursing AUD$1 billion to the Blue Pacific family.
Williams says they are focused on quality infrastructure investment which is a platform of economic growth that creates job opportunities and addresses the vast challenges presented by climate change.
He adds they are delighted the Fijian Government is ensuring the upgraded bridges will be climate resilient and have a design life of 100 years.
He says their partnership today builds on the rapid support that they provided Fiji during the COVID-19 pandemic which is contributing to the ongoing recovery.
Williams says they are confident that this investment will support the Fijian Government's efforts to prioritise local jobs for Fijian workers and ensure money flows back to the Fijian communities at a vital time.
Fiji Roads Authority CEO Kamal Prasad says the funds will assist them to develop resilient infrastructure and improve the participation of local contractors.
He says most of the 1.5 million square metres of the road they have done and the nine bridges are under construction.
Prasad says this funding will help them move things forward.
