Material test results to pave way in formulating guidelines for low volume – rural roads

The Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility (PRIF) in collaboration with Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) and Tonkin & Taylor International (T&TI) facilitated a workshop to discuss the findings of the material selection and testing program for low-volume rural roads at the Novotel Convention Centre over the weekend.

The workshop was aimed at disseminating findings on material testing and the possibilities of using local resources and non-standard materials for the construction and maintenance of low-volume rural roads.

Materials from various locations in Fiji are extracted and sent for testing at laboratories and test results will form the development of guidelines on the viability of the usage of these materials.

The outcome creates a guideline on the use of nonstandard materials for road construction and maintenance of rural roads and these would mostly be used on unsealed roads in rural areas and the maritime islands.

FRA notes the significance of the study as the initiative will allow them and associate stakeholders to source materials locally to construct and maintain rural roads.

FRA says this is significantly going to reduce the cost of road construction and maintenance, especially in rural areas.

They say this will also encourage local resource owners to supply natural resources such as gravels and rocks to be utilised in the maintenance and construction of roads.

FRA is continuously engaging with partners in identifying and implementing best practices to enhance the road infrastructure in Fiji.

FRA continues to pursue solutions to make road infrastructure more climate resilient due to the adverse effects of climate change issues we are facing today.

The Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility representative Jane Romero says that utilization of locally available materials will help reduce the costs of construction and maintenance of rural roads.

The PRIF is a multi-partner coordination and technical assistance facility that aims to improve the quality and coverage of infrastructure and service delivery in the Pacific.

Participants in the workshop included FRA officials, stakeholders and industry representatives, who will play key roles in piloting the initiative.

A periodic assessment will be carried out to determine the feasibility of the materials used on pilot tests conducted before the actual implementation on our roads.