Government is ramping up investment to upgrade and develop our key infrastructure and public assets and utilities.
Minister for Finance Prof Biman Prasad said $800 million is provided to the Ministry of Public Works, a significant increase of $83 million from the last budget.
“The Fiji Roads Authority is provided a funding of $388 million, an increase of $37 million from the previous year,” he said.
“This includes almost $120 million for road maintenance, $74 million for road renewals, replacement & resealing, $23 million dollars for footpaths & bus shelters and $30 million for new sealing and upgrading of community and rural roads, including around $5 million for the tar sealing of Kavanagasau road (Laselase to Naroro) and also for Biausevu Road in Sigatoka and Vuci, Naduru and Koronivia roads in Nausori.”
Prof Prasad added $16 million dollars is provided for the maintenance of our jetties in Koro, Moala, Lomaloma, Vunisea, Nabouwalu, Savusavu, Taveuni and Rabi.
“Government is working together with the Asian Development Bank on 3 major investment projects to revamp the jetties in Nabouwalu, Natovi and Savusavu.”
He said Government has approved the replacement of four critical bridges at a total cost of around $400 million, with concessional loan and grant financing through the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.
“This includes the replacement of the Lami Bridge at Suvavou, Medraukutu Bridge near the Lami Cement Factory, Sabeto Bridge, and Viseisei Bridge linking Nadi and Lautoka.”
“These bridges are critical assets that connect our major towns and cities along the Queens Highway.”
Prof Prasad said Government is working on another 6 critical bridges that will be replaced in the second phase.
“There are also major plans being worked out to ease traffic in the major urban centres, including from Lami to Suva and Suva to Nausori, Nadi to Lautoka and in Labasa town area. FRA is working on options for road widening, provision of footpath and bicycle lanes, improved lighting and introducing smart traffic signal systems.”
