Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says Government is in discussion with “some development partners” to fund the $1.5 billion Suva-Nadi freeway through Viti Levu and the $100 million Nadi-Lautoka four-lane road.
“And in terms of how we will be funding this, obviously it’s going to be through some budget support,” he said.
“We already have a couple of discussions with some development partners who are quite keen on providing assistance in terms of financial whether there’s a grant component or you know some loan or concession loan component.
“Those are some of the things that we will be negotiating at least in the next year to 18 months or so with the construction to start in 2024.”
He said the road projects upon completion were expected to make lives of the Fijians a lot easier.
“Nadi and Lautoka, as you know is becoming more like Suva-Nausori.
“You can see that the land use is also changing between the two cities or soon to be made a city but at least between Nadi and Lautoka.
“So again, it sort of adds to that. “And I think if you then link it up to the second project, which is the direct line you see, essentially just outside of Lami to Nadi Back Rd.”
He pointed out that it’s about 107 to 120 kilometers between those two points.
“So if you have like a freeway concept, tollway freeway, could be perhaps a toll, but even if it’s just a freeway, you can set the speed limit at 110 kilometers with 70 miles.
“You could easily travel within an hour.
“You could be living in somewhere near Navosa and could get into Suva within 30 minutes.
“The people who own the lands in Nadroga and Navosa, Serua, Namosi, their value of the land in the interior part will also go up.”
