Fiji’s Infrastructure Overhaul: A New Era for Rural Roads and Drainage

The government of Fiji is transitioning the responsibilities for drainage and rural road maintenance from the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) to the Public Works Department (PWD). Minister for Public Works, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, confirmed that this shift is part of a larger effort to improve infrastructure and address concerns regarding road conditions, particularly in rural and maritime areas.

Tuisawau acknowledged that some costs related to roads and drainage have not been reimbursed by local councils in past years, but he reassured that this will not prevent the maintenance services from moving forward. “While the transition is a work in progress, we are committed to ensuring that proper maintenance is realized for rural roads and drainage systems,” he stated.

He emphasized the increasing demands on the FRA’s services and indicated that reorganizing responsibilities would help both the FRA and PWD to efficiently focus on their respective tasks. Ongoing upgrades in Vanua Levu are already enhancing accessibility for rural communities, marking a significant step in the government’s long-term infrastructure plan to better connect these areas.

The shift of responsibilities also aligns with broader initiatives currently undertaken by the PWD, which has become a legal entity within the Ministry of Public Works, aiming to improve the overall condition of roads that have long been neglected, as mentioned in previous reports. Investments have been made in heavy construction machinery to expedite roadworks in several critical regions including Nasereilagi, Nalidi, and Roma in Ra.

This transition is seen as a hopeful development for the communities in Fiji as it promises enhanced road accessibility and improved infrastructure, essential for fostering economic growth and improving quality of life for the residents. The government’s proactive stance reflects a commitment not only to rectify past oversights but also to ensure sustainable maintenance and development in rural areas.

In summary, the restructuring of road maintenance duties between FRA and PWD signifies a renewed focus on community wellbeing and infrastructural integrity as Fiji moves towards a more interconnected and accessible future.