Designs for 11 critical bridges have been completed, with construction contracts for four major bridge projects expected to be signed within two months as Fiji moves ahead with its infrastructure upgrade plans.
Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau says the Critical Bridges Resilience Programme is a major focus under the Government's infrastructure programme, aimed at improving connectivity, strengthening transport links and enhancing the quality of life for Fijians.
Ro Filipe says the detailed designs for the 11 critical bridges were completed under the Transport Infrastructure Investment Sector Project through the Asian Development Bank, with the tender process expected to be announced soon.
He says construction contracts for four critical bridges at Lami, Medrekutu, Sabeto and Lomaloma, funded by the ADB and World Bank, will be signed within two months.
The Minister says design work is also progressing for six other critical bridges, including Sawani Bridge, Namotomoto Bridge, Labasa Bridge, Nadi River Bridge, Renwick Bridge and Lomolomo Bridge, with designs expected to be finalised by the end of August before moving to the tender process.
He says bridge renewal works are also underway, including five bridges in Taveuni, with four currently in progress and the new Nalele Bridge, as well as the Tamavua-i-Wai Bridge project under JICA funding.
Ro Filipe says modular steel bridge supply and installation for six bridges is also moving forward, with tenders currently underway.
He says the bridges include Koronivia, Savu 5 and Gatward Bridge in the Central Division, and Nararavou, Maururu and Waimari Bridge in the Western Division, with work expected to begin later this year.
The Minister says the Government is also progressing with rural road upgrades under the New Capital Project, with 25 kilometres of access roads planned to support the movement of people, goods and services in rural areas.
He says these include the $14 million Rewa Vutia Road and Bridge construction project and the $2 million Nasauvakarua Access Road in Navosa.
Ro Filipe says these projects are in addition to major road, water, energy and other infrastructure developments included in the Ministry's 2026-2027 National Budget approved by Parliament.
