The reconstruction of the Tamavua-i-wai bridge will mark the implementation of Fiji’s first earthquake-resilient bridge, designed to enhance economic growth, according to Japanese Ambassador Rokuichiro Michii.
Ambassador Michii spoke during an exchange of notes ceremony on Thursday, alongside the Minister of Public Works and Transportation, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, regarding additional funding for the project. He announced that JP¥ 961 million (approximately $14.47 million) has been allocated for the two-lane bridge’s reconstruction.
“The additional funds being finalized today will supplement the F$60 million allocated in 2022, raising the total design and reconstruction cost to approximately F$70 million,” he stated. He also mentioned that this signing is one of several agreements expected this month and next, with a combined value of around $129.5 million.
Ambassador Michii emphasized the importance of road connectivity, referring to roads and bridges as the nation’s lifeblood supporting economic and social prosperity. He highlighted the critical nature of the Tamavua-i-wai bridge for trade, national development, tourism, and the overall economy, noting that its completion is vital given there are no alternative land routes across the Tamavua-i-wai River.
Once completed, the new bridge is planned to be a four-lane structure that will integrate with a potential future four-lane motorway connecting Suva to Lami.
Minister Ro Filipe described the signing as a milestone for infrastructure development and clarified that the exchange of notes regarding the Tamavua-i-wai bridge would involve F$25 million, or about 3 billion Japanese yen. He noted that road infrastructure plays a crucial role in linking people with employment opportunities, goods, and services, identifying roads as key facilitators of economic growth.
He also voiced concerns about the lack of alternative routes into Suva, suggesting the need for planning new access points from areas such as Veisari, Wailekutu, or using Delainavesi Road to Wailoku.