GOVERNMENT has prioritised the replacement of aging bridges and crossings identified as high-risk following Tropical Cyclone Vaianu.
Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services Ro Filipe Tuisawau confirmed that a work program was in progress to address aging infrastructure.
Speaking on the damage assessment post-TC Vaianu, Ro Filipe said a detailed one was being carried out to ensure emergency works met required standards.
“There are some areas, bridges, crossings, which need to be renewed, especially the approach to the crossings, and some have been aging infrastructure,” he said.
“These are currently in the program of works, and acquisitions are now happening for the replacement of these old crossings for better or stronger box culverts or structures.”
Ro Filipe said recent weather events highlighted a recurring vulnerability in the national road network and the structural integrity of bridge approaches.
“Some of the crossings, as you can see from the report, the approaches are the problem.”
Ro Filipe said the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) was working with contractors to strengthen these specific sections to “prevent washouts in times of heavy rain and flooding”.
Implementation of these renewals is expected to continue through the end of the current financial year in June and July, extending into the next period.
While a final dollar value on the total damage caused by TC Vaianu is yet to be established, Ro Filipe assured that restoration efforts would not be delayed by administrative processes.
“I haven’t had the figures yet. I will get that from the FRA, but the recovery is immediately.” he said.
“As soon as the weather clears, the normal ratification works begin immediately after, because we have a separate budget for it, the emergency works budget, so this comes into play immediately after all cyclone or any inclement weather,” Ro Filipe said.
