ENERGY Fiji Ltd (EFL) has been granted approval by the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) to excavate road reserves along the Nasinu-Suva corridor for an underground power cable from the Cunningham Rd substation to Kinoya Power Station.
FRA confirmed EFL obtained the necessary permit before commencing the works, which have involved opening sections of footpaths.
“EFL has been granted approval by the FRA to undertake the work within the relevant road reserves,” the authority said.
“FRA approval is subject to conditions intended to ensure that the works are undertaken safely, comply with the required standards, protect existing road assets and utilities, minimise disruption to road users and pedestrians, and properly reinstate any affected road or footpath infrastructure.”
FRA said EFL was responsible for obtaininwg other required approvals, including from municipal councils.
Suva City Council chairman Tevita Boseiwaqa said the council was not aware of or had authorised the footpath works.
“Suva City Council is not aware of, nor has it authorised, any footpath works along the Nasinu – Suva route,” he said.
Nasinu Town Council CEO Felix Magnus, when asked about the works, said it required FRA’s attention.
“I guess this needs FRAs attention,” he said.
FRA said it was aware of concerns and that complaints were assessed and referred to EFL.
The authority confirmed affected footpaths and road reserve areas must be properly reinstated.
“FRA monitors the reinstatement to ensure it meets the required standards and the conditions of approval.”
Questions sent to EFL on the cable specifications and the works so far remain unanswered.
