Residents of Nabekavu in Labasa are calling for urgent action from the Fiji Roads Authority regarding the worsening condition of the Vunidrodro Bridge.
Local resident Priya Pritika Devi says the bridge is very old and in a poor state, making it difficult and unsafe for vehicles to cross.
She stressed that similar concerns were raised with FRA last year, after which repairs were carried out, but the bridge has since fallen into disrepair once again.
Devi says residents are particularly worried about the safety of buses carrying students across the bridge daily, saying it poses a serious risk.
She says there is a risk during the cane cutting season, as farmers are struggling to transport their cane to the mills due to the poor condition of the bridge.
The community is urging the FRA to take immediate action to ensure the safety of all users.
In response, the Fiji Roads Authority says it is aware of the current state of the Vunidrodro Bridge and has scheduled repair works to begin as soon as possible.
FRA says that that its contractor has already been mobilized and an assessment of the bridge has been completed.
The Authority says planned repairs will include a full replacement of the timber decking.
FRA says it is considering the construction of a bypass road in the near future to provide a more sustainable solution.
