THE Japanese Government-funded Tamavua-i-Wai bridge is expected to be completed by June 2027.
At the groundbreaking ceremony for the $70million project yesterday, Japanese Ambassador Michii Rokuichiro said it would play a crucial role in connecting the Suva-Lami corridor to the Western Division via the Queens Rd.
“Carrying over 21,000 vehicles daily, the current structure, built in 1975, had suffered considerable wear and damage due to natural disasters and age,” Mr Rokuichiro said.
He said the bridge would incorporate modern disaster-resilient engineering, including earthquake-resistant features, a first for Fiji.
Infrastructure Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau said the bridge was strategic as it would be a vital access point to Suva City.
“When we came into government in December 2022, this was one of the pending projects which had been held up for some time,” Ro Filipe said.
“The old bridge was still here and there had been issues regarding the demolition.”
Ro Filipe thanked JICA and the Government of Japan.
“As a government, we would like projects to move forward quickly and there have been concerns expressed by the Government of Japan regarding some delays.
“But I’m happy to say we have worked closely as a government within the ministry and also our agencies to bring to conclusion a few of the projects.”
