Japan boosts funding for Tamavua-i-Wai Bridge reconstruction by $14.2M

The Cabinet has endorsed the execution of the amended grant agreement with the Government of Japan for the reconstruction of the Tamavua-i-Wai Bridge Project where they will provide an additional $14.2 million for the project.

While announcing the Cabinet’s decision, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the Japanese government through JICA, is supporting the reconstruction of the Tamavua-i-Wai bridge in Suva, with a two-phase grant approach.

He says phase I focused on an in-depth evaluation of the site with relevant engineering and construction information to ensure that the bridge will serve communities and businesses as a resilient national infrastructure against natural disasters.

Rabuka says phase 2 will ensure progression and financial resourcing for the completion of the bridge construction as part of ongoing bilateral cooperation between Fiji and Japan.

He says the Japanese Government is increasing the grant aid for the project from about $43.4 million to about $57.6 million.

The Prime Minister says this substantial increase of about $14.2 million primarily addresses the unforeseen price escalations encountered during the project's execution.

He adds the Fiji Roads Authority will continue to be the executing agency to implement and ensure the completion of the project on behalf of the Fiji Government.