Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is currently on a two-day tour of the Northern Division to assess the proposed upgrades to roads as part of the Vanua Levu Road Upgrade Project. Accompanying him is Fiji’s Ambassador to China, His Excellency Robert Lee.
This significant project is being funded through a grant from the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). With a projected budget of FJD $300 million, the Vanua Levu Road Upgrade Project stands out as a vital component of the BRI’s efforts in Fiji.
During his visit, Prime Minister Rabuka emphasized the need for local involvement in the project to ensure that the infrastructure enhancements not only improve connectivity but also create employment opportunities for the community during the construction phase. Key sections of the roads under inspection included a 15km stretch of Nabouwalu Road (from Bua to Nasolo) and a 35km segment of the Nabalebale to Dogoru route on the Wailevu West Coast.
Fiji Roads Manager North, Delana Rabalaka, joined the Prime Minister’s delegation and provided insights related to the project’s technical and logistical dimensions. Furthermore, the group attended a briefing at the Provincial Administrator’s Office in Savusavu led by Jovesa Naqarikau, focusing on the economic potential that could arise from the upgraded road infrastructure.
Ambassador Lee expressed positive sentiments regarding the project, highlighting its key role in strengthening infrastructure and driving regional development. He noted that the upgraded roads are likely to enhance various sectors such as tourism and renewable energy initiatives, specifically hydropower, while also improving access and connectivity for rural communities.
This commitment to improving infrastructure in Fiji, especially with local community engagement, reflects a hopeful outlook for regional development and economic growth. By investing in road upgrades, the government is not only focused on immediate infrastructural benefits but also on the long-term prosperity of the region through enhanced access to essential services and opportunities.
Leave a comment