FEARS of severe economic disruption have dominated discussions in the North as business leaders voice alarm over plans to close Labasa’s only bridge during major upgrade works.
Prominent Labasa businessman Satish Kumar said while residents accepted warnings that the ageing structure was nearing the end of its lifespan, relying on a single bridge placed the town at unacceptable risk.
“If we have only one bridge, this problem will never be solved,” he said.
Mr Kumar warned that emergency services could be paralysed during the sugarcane crushing season, when tractors and heavy vehicles clog the main road.
“Fire trucks and ambulances could be stuck behind tractors. That could be disastrous for the town.”
He said businesses were deeply concerned about possible construction delays, with estimates suggesting works could stretch up to three years.
“These are people who pay taxes, rent and loans. A six-month construction period would be reasonable, but three years or more will place huge pressure on businesses.”
Mr Kumar added that for decades residents had called for bypass roads, dating back to the leadership of Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, yet Labasa still relied on one main road carrying trucks, tractors and logging vehicles.
Responding to concerns, the Fiji Roads Authority said bypass developments would be carried out in stages, with designs completed for several proposed routes.
The bridge upgrade forms part of a national program targeting 40 critical bridges and three maritime structures across Fiji, many increasingly vulnerable to climate change and natural hazard
