VANUA O Betoraurau Environment Committee chair Don Natabe has welcomed the Government’s budgetary allocation of $41.5 million for the replacement of four critical bridges — the Lami Bridge at Suvavou, Medraukutu Bridge near Delainavesi, Sabeto Bridge, and Viseisei Bridge linking Nadi and Lautoka.
While delivering the 2026–2027 National Budget address in Parliament yesterday, Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel said the full project cost is estimated at around $400 million ($US170m), with funding already secured through the ADB and the World Bank.
“These bridges are critical assets that connect our major towns and cities along the Queens Highway. We are ensuring that these new bridges are future-proofed and resilient,” Mr Immanuel said.
“The new designs include wider spans, increased load capacity, and, most importantly, enhance climate resilience.”
Mr Natabe said the allocation had come in a timely manner.
“We welcome the budget announcement for this year’s public infrastructure project in terms of the bridge, the expansion of the new bridge, given that the old one is wearing and the road infrastructure project,” he said.
Mr Natabe said improving roads and infrastructure in Sabeto would open up more business opportunities in the area.
“We have an active agriculture and mining and quarrying sector, both in the primary and this new infrastructure bridge will greatly assist our businesses and bring new investment into Sabeto.
“Generally, we welcome the budget announcement this morning on both those projects.”
