The possibility of constructing the Saliadrau bridge has surfaced following the release of construction tender notices last week. This development is significant for the inhabitants of Saliadrau in Namosi who have had to traverse rough landscapes and rivers for over twenty years to access schools and primary roads.
Namosi Provincial Council public administrator, Laisenia Tui, confirmed to the press that the project will soon kick off. Tui explained that a tender notice regarding the Saliadrau Village crossing was released in the open market. Companies intending to submit tenders will inspect the construction site next week.
Tui explained that the project, estimated to cost around $5 million, would be financed by the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development. This was confirmed by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Isoa Talemaibua. The project is projected to reach completion in the upcoming financial year.
In the interim, boats will be arranged to transport Waivaka villagers across the river. The council is also seeking to secure engineers and surveyors to conduct preliminary works, after which a company will be hired for the bridge construction. It was earlier reported in the media that the Japanese Government contributed over $200,000 towards the bridge’s construction. Meanwhile, the Waivaka bridge, inaugurated in 2015, was built at a cost of about $320,000.