Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel has announced an extensive programme of investment in roads, bridges and jetties, with $821 million allocated to the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport in the 2026-2027 National Budget.
Delivering the Budget in Parliament, Mr Immanuel said improving transport infrastructure remained central to Government’s strategy of supporting economic growth and strengthening connectivity across Fiji.
The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) will receive approximately $370 million, including $118 million for road maintenance, $77 million for road renewals, replacement and resealing, $35 million for bridge renewals and crossing replacements, and $26 million for sealing and upgrading community and rural roads.
To address traffic congestion on major urban routes, Government has allocated $20 million, with $15 million earmarked for widening Ratu Dovi Road, constructing the Extension Street bypass connecting to Brown Street, and upgrading Ratu Sukuna Road.
An additional $4.5 million has been provided for feasibility and design studies covering proposed road widening between Delainavesi and Veisari, Veikoba and Laqere, Princess Road, and the Nasoso–Navutu corridor between Nadi and Lautoka.
In the Northern Division, Mr Immanuel said detailed designs for both the temporary and permanent bridge replacement under the Labasa Bypass Project were nearing completion, with preparatory works and procurement to continue during the new financial year.
Government has also allocated $3.2 million for jetty maintenance at Ellington, Savusavu, Taveuni and Rabi, while funding preparatory work for the proposed Vunikura Jetty in Cakaudrove. An inter-island jetty feasibility study will also be undertaken to identify locations for future infrastructure.
Mr Immanuel said Government, with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), had completed detailed designs for major upgrades to the Nabouwalu, Natovi and Savusavu jetties.
He also announced that construction is expected to begin during the coming financial year on four major bridge replacement projects at Lami (Suvavou), Medraukutu, Sabeto and Viseisei.
A total of $41.5 million has been allocated for the works in 2026-2027, with the overall project valued at approximately $400 million (US$170 million) and jointly financed through the ADB and the World Bank.
“These bridges are critical assets that connect our major towns and cities along the Queens Highway,” Mr Immanuel said.
“We are ensuring that these new bridges are future-proofed and resilient. The new designs include wider spans, increased load capacity and, most importantly, enhanced climate resilience.”
Detailed design work is also continuing on six additional bridge replacement projects, including Sawani, Namotomoto, Lomolomo and Labasa bridges, ahead of the next phase of implementation.
The Budget provides $14.9 million for the construction of new bus shelters along the Queens and Kings Roads, together with new footpaths and frontage sealing to improve safe access to schools and villages.
Mr Immanuel said rural connectivity remained a major priority, with Government partnering with China to upgrade approximately 82 kilometres of rural roads and construct 22 new bridges, focusing on strategic corridors including Nabouwalu, Wailevu West Coast and Natewa West Roads. Construction is expected to commence later this year.
Government is also working with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on a major climate resilience programme for rural roads and water infrastructure.
Mr Immanuel said Fiji had secured approximately $6.4 million from the AIIB to undertake feasibility studies while discussions continued on a US$100 million financing package for rural road and water infrastructure.
In addition, around $17 million has been allocated to departments within the Ministry of Public Works to improve rural road access, water supply and electricity services, while strengthening public service delivery across rural communities and the outer islands.
