Suva-Nadi freeway cost can be more than $1.5 billion once detailed plan is completed – Prasad

Fiji Roads Authority CEO, Kamal Prasad believes that the cost of the construction of the 120 kilometres of road from Suva to Nadi across Viti Levu can be more than the forecast cost of $1.5 billion.

Prasad says the forecast for the pre-feasibility work is calculated at about $15 million per kilometre for the cross country road.

He adds that this cost can increase once they have completed the detailed plan for the project.

Prasad says the project cost cannot be compared to how construction is being done in Australia.

Prasad says that the construction work is expected to start after two years of feasibility study and detailed design.

The FRA is looking to hire about six contractors for this work with allocations of 20 kilometres per contractor and a target to complete the work within 8 years.

Prasad also confirms that the FRA will first conduct lidar survey, aerial imagery works and screen applications for Environmental Impact Assessment.

They will then conduct geometric design work before carrying out consultation with landowning units.