The Tamavua-i-wai bridge reconstruction initiative will utilize a new civil engineering concept to create Fiji’s first earthquake-resilient bridge, significantly enhancing economic productivity, according to Japanese Ambassador Rokuichiro Michii.
During an exchange of notes ceremony for additional funding on Thursday, alongside Public Works and Transportation Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau, Mr. Michii announced that JP¥ 961 million (approximately $14.47 million) is allocated for the reconstruction of the two-lane bridge.
“The additional funding formalized today will add to the $F60 million initially agreed upon in 2022, bringing the total estimated cost for design and reconstruction to about $F70 million,” he stated.
He also noted that today’s signing is part of a series of agreements, with four or five additional exchanges planned over the coming month, collectively valued at around $129.5 million.
“Roads and bridges are vital for economic and social prosperity; they serve as the lifelines of our nation. Since there is no alternative land route across the Tamavua-i-wai River, completing this project is essential for Fiji’s infrastructure, impacting trade, national development, tourism, and the overall economy,” he added.
Once completed, the new bridge will enhance the current two-lane structure, creating a four-lane bridge that could potentially connect to a future four-lane motorway from Suva to Lami.
Minister Ro Filipe emphasized the importance of this project for infrastructure development. “This amendment for the Tamavua-i-wai bridge involves about $F25 million, equivalent to roughly 3 billion Japanese yen,” he said.
He highlighted that road infrastructure is crucial for linking people to job markets and services, reinforcing that roads should be viewed as facilitators of economic growth.
Ro Filipe pointed out the bridge’s significance as a critical connection within the Suva-Lami corridor. He expressed concern about the sole access route into Suva, stressing the importance of planning alternative routes, possibly utilizing options from Veisari, Wailekutu, or the Delainavesi Road to Wailoku.