$300k to subsidise freight costs

Listen to this article:

Ro Filipe Tuisawau in Parliament last week – FIJI PARLIAMENT

THE cost of transporting building materials has long been a barrier for families, schools and communities in Fiji’s outer islands.

Parliament was informed last week the Government allocated $300,000 in the 2025-2026 National Budget to subsidise freight costs for maritime communities.

Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau said the program was created in recognition of the “critical need of our maritime communities to access building materials at affordable transport cost, particularly given the high freight charges and limited shipping options to remote islands”.

“This initiative directly subsidises the transportation of building materials to the maritime zone,” he said.

“The Coalition Government is determined to ensure all Fijians are treated equally, leaving no one behind.

“In this case, we are ensuring the rural and remote maritime communities have the same opportunities for purchase and access of building materials as their counterparts on the main islands.”

The program covers only the cost of transporting materials on Government Shipping Services vessels and not the purchase of materials or labour.

Eligible applicants include first homeowners constructing or repairing their primary residence, schools undertaking major works, and community-funded projects endorsed by village or provincial authorities.

Applications will be verified by divisional commissioners and assessed by the Department of Transport in consultation with GSS, before final approval by the permanent secretary.

“No funds are paid directly to applicants,” Ro Filipe said.

“Assistance is directly applied to the operation of government vessels carrying the approved shipments.”

Rural road projects cost $2.49m

A TOTAL of 11 road projects and two crossings have been undertaken in the Central Division since 2023, amounting to $2.49million in rural road development, Parliament heard last week.

Assistant Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel had asked for an update on progress in the Central Division, to which Public Works Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau replied that the works included pilot cuts, gravelling of new roads, upgrading and maintenance of existing roads, and the construction of Irish crossings.

“The total road length developed in the Central Division stands at 29.5 kilometres, with an additional six metres of crossing infrastructure constructed or under development,” he said.

Ro Filipe said completed projects included Nakorovou, Matawailevu and Naisogo, while works continued in Nakida and Wairuarua, with procurement underway for Sabata Road and Waidradra phase 2 Irish crossing.

Communities in Nakida, Nakorovou, Matawailevu, Wairuarua, Naisogo, Waidradra and Sabata had already benefited.

“These communities have experienced improved access to essential services such as health, education and markets, and in terms of enhanced mobility, safety, and economic opportunities specifically in agriculture and access to markets.”

Opposition MP Vijay Nath raised concerns about safety, saying open trenches were often left unattended.

“When vehicles are damaged or an accident happens because of this unsafe work, what mechanisms are in place for ordinary Fijians to seek compensation,” he said.

Ro Filipe said liability depended on circumstances, but insurance was the first step.

“Roadworks should be completed thoroughly and carefully so that such hazards are not left around.”

Opposition MP Jone Usamate asked if the Nakorovou to Sawanikula Road would be extended to Namosi.

Ro Filipe confirmed discussions were underway, including possible support through the Millennium Development Fund Corporation.

Pressed again on potholes, he replied: “So, the process, when you damage a tyre.

Motor vehicles have spare tyres and jerks. So, the process is to replace a tyre, that is it. I mean, you just replace your tyre and move on.”