THE Labasa bridge, a vital link connecting the town to its hospital and surrounding communities, is showing alarming signs of wear and tear.
The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) said the last mid-term repairs were carried out eight years ago.
“A new reinforced concrete topping was applied to the 74-metre-long existing deck,” the authority said.
“The bridge piers had sustained cracks and concrete spalling, which were remediated through the installation of new steel supports to transfer loads from the superstructure to the substructure.”
The authority said since then the bridge had continued to deteriorate.
“The existing downstream footpath is closed to pedestrians due to significant deterioration on its underside.”
While responding to queries from this newspaper, the authority said it would address this under its forward works program by restoring the structure to ensure safe pedestrian access across the bridge
“The upstream footpath has some damaged trench covers that will be repaired, and ramps will also be constructed on both ends of the footpath to allow access for the specially challenged.”
The authority said the bridge was under constant monitoring.
“The scour will be filled with rip rap to prevent sinkholes on the Wainikoro end of the bridge, and FRA will also carry out scour protection on the banks within the FRA reserve distance.”
However, for residents like Amelia Simmons, monitoring is not enough.
“If something happens to that bridge, all traffic comes to a standstill,” she said.
Ms Simmons said people would disconnect from essential services such as the main hospital.
“The hospital is located just beyond the bridge, and every day ambulances and patients rely on it,” she said.
“I’ve walked that bridge myself, and I don’t feel safe at all, especially when trucks and buses pass by.
“During peak hours, it becomes dangerously congested, making it difficult for emergency vehicles to get through. The bridge is the lifeline for patients, doctors, and hospital staff.”
Ms Simmons said any further delay in repair works could have serious consequences for healthcare delivery in Labasa.
