Prospects of the Saliadrau bridge loom after tender notices for its construction were put out last week.
For more than two decades, the villagers of Saliadrau in Namosi have been trekking through rough terrain and crossing rivers to reach schools and the main roads.
In an interview with this newspaper, Namosi Provincial Council public administrator Laisenia Tui said the project would commence soon.
“A tender for the crossing to Saliadrau Village was put up on the open market,” Mr Tui said.
“Companies that will submit their tenders will visit the site next week.”
Mr Tui said a budget for the project estimated at $5million would be covered by the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development as confirmed by its permanent secretary Isoa Talemaibua.
The project is expected to be completed in the next financial year.
In the meantime, he said, boats would be provided to ferry Waivaka villagers cross the river.
“We are also trying to get engineers and surveyors for scoping work, after which the process will be followed to secure the services of a company to construct the bridge.”
Earlier media reports stated the Japanese Government had given more than $200,000 to help with the construction of a bridge at Saliadrau.
Meanwhile, the Waivaka bridge, which was officially opened in 2015, cost about $320,000.
