Safer roads, lower accident risks and reduced congestion are among the key benefits expected from the $28.2 million Ratu Sukuna Road Upgrade and the new Extension Street Road Link to Brown Street.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau highlighted that the projects are significant investments in Fiji's transport infrastructure.
Ro Filipe says Ratu Sukuna Road is one of the most critical urban corridors in Suva, with thousands of residents, students, workers and visitors relying on the route every day to access schools, workplaces, government offices, healthcare facilities and public transport.
He highlighted that road safety, particularly for school children, was at the centre of the project, noting that major schools, including Draiba Primary, Veiuto Primary, Yat Sen School, Suva Grammar, Sacred Heart College, Marist Brothers High School, Pacific Theological College and Multiple Intelligence School are located along or near the corridor.
He adds that the corridor also serves more than 15,000 residents, government institutions, diplomatic missions including the New Zealand High Commission and other important community facilities.
The Minister says that following a review by the Fiji Roads Authority and guidance from Government and the FRA Board, the original project proposal was reassessed, with features such as dedicated bicycle lanes, landscaping and urban enhancement removed to prioritise safety improvements, pavement rehabilitation, drainage, pedestrian protection and overall network reliability.
He says the final project includes about 2.7 kilometres of comprehensive road upgrades, including full pavement rehabilitation, improved drainage systems, kerb and channel reconstruction, continuous dual pedestrian footpaths, enhanced crossings, improved signage and road markings, safer traffic management and targeted improvements within the existing corridor.
INSERT: Ro Filipe on road upgrade 21st July
The Minister stressed that the project's safety benefits have been independently verified through the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP), with the assessment predicting a minimum 3-star safety rating, while some sections are expected to achieve even higher safety levels.
He says the project is expected to reduce fatal and serious injuries by 14 percent, pedestrian fatalities by 32 percent, and serious pedestrian injuries by 30 percent.
Ro Filipe acknowledged the Fiji Roads Authority Board, management, engineers and stakeholders for their work on the project and thanked China Railway No. 5 Group for its partnership, urging the contractor to utilise local suppliers and labour to maximise community benefits.
He also acknowledged that construction will cause temporary traffic disruptions but thanked the public for their patience, saying the benefits of the investment will last for decades.
Launching the Extension Street Road Link to Brown Street, Ro Filipe says the project, which is less than one kilometre long, will provide a strategically important alternative route to ease congestion on Waimanu Road and improve access to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
INSERT: Ro Filipe on easing congestion 21st July
The Minister stressed that as Suva continues to grow as Fiji's administrative and commercial hub, the city must be supported by infrastructure that meets increasing demand, improves safety and delivers greater efficiency.
Meanwhile, China Railway No. 5 Group General Manager Jin Ming says the company is honoured to be entrusted with delivering the projects and values its long-standing relationship with the Fiji Roads Authority.
He says the launch marks another milestone in the shared commitment to improving Fiji's infrastructure, strengthening connectivity and supporting the nation's sustainable development.
He says the Ratu Sukuna Road Upgrade has a contract period of 364 days, and while the project is relatively short in length, it presents significant engineering and management challenges, particularly with relation to the relocation and coordination of underground utility services.
The General Manager says Ratu Sukuna Road is a busy urban transport corridor, meaning construction will take place in a constrained environment with heavy traffic and nearby residential communities.
He says careful traffic management, construction planning and communication with the public will be essential throughout the project.
He adds that the Extension Street Road Link project is less than one kilometre long and is expected to be completed within about four months.
The General Manager says the company has mobilised an experienced project management team, engineers, skilled workers, equipment and technical resources to ensure the projects are delivered safely, on schedule and to a high standard.
He says the company will work closely with the Fiji Roads Authority, consultants, utility providers, local communities and other stakeholders to minimise disruption to the public.
