Concerns are surfacing about the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) prioritizing the construction of new roads over the maintenance and management of existing infrastructure. Paula Baleilevuka, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Works, highlighted that substantial investments have been made in Fiji’s road network, with a clear emphasis on the critical need for effective asset management to promote long-term sustainability and cost-efficiency.
In a recent session with the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, Baleilevuka pointed out that the FRA has faced challenges, including a shortage of engineers, compromising its operational capacity. He remarked, “We have graduates from universities supervising multi-million dollar contracts. International contractors are very smart. You have to be on top of your game to supervise.”
Baleilevuka acknowledged that the current focus of the FRA may not be perfectly aligning with the nation’s infrastructure needs. He underlined that while efforts are underway to enhance the authority’s capacity, the priority should remain on managing existing assets effectively.
These discussions echo the sentiments previously expressed by Inia Seruiratu, the Leader of the Opposition, who called for urgent attention to the deteriorating road conditions affecting both urban and rural residents in Fiji. He criticized the FRA for running into issues due to what he termed “poor planning and ineffective project management,” resulting in further challenges as many Fijians encounter hazardous driving conditions.
The calls for improved management and accountability suggest a significant opportunity ahead. By shifting the focus towards maintaining existing infrastructure, the FRA could not only enhance road safety but also ensure efficient use of resources, potentially improving the quality of life for citizens across the nation. This shift could pave the way for more robust infrastructure development strategies in the future, which will be vital as Fiji continues to grow and develop.
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