150 families of Vakabuli in Lautoka will remember forever the day Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama officially opened the $1.6 Paipai Crossing.
While officiating at the event, Bainimarama says the development will vastly improve their quality of life, day in and day out.
He says that as a flood prone area Fijians living in Vakabuli have long lived in fear every time storm clouds would gather.
He adds last year, the crossing was washed away multiple times, bringing an unacceptable level of inconvenience for the people of Vakabuli.
Bainimarama told the community the new crossing which stands over 1.5 metres higher than the previous structure is fortified by concrete and designed to withstand the elements and will benefit them for many years to come.
He adds that the 32 metres crossing is the same design that is now replicated all throughout Fiji for future crossings.
He says that Fiji Roads Authority is fully committed to replacing each and every vulnerable crossings and bridges in Fiji and are in the process of awarding contracts for 17 critical bridges in the country.
Bainimarama added that students will no longer have to risk their safety by walking over the rushing waters of a flooded crossing.
He says parents will now be easily connected to public transport, allowing for quicker travel to markets, health centres, and government offices, all of which are also being expanded across the country.
As Prime Minister and Minister for Sugar Industry, Bainimarama says sugarcane farmers in the Vakabuli community will now be free to transport their harvest with less effort than ever before.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that in just the past five years, they have invested over 750 million dollars into infrastructure improvements like new chip‑seal roads, bridges, and jetties.
