Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has embarked on a two-day visit to the Northern Division to assess the proposed upgrades to the roads under the Vanua Levu Road Upgrade Project. Accompanying him is Fiji’s Ambassador to China, His Excellency Robert Lee.
The initiative is being funded through a grant from the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) as part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by the People’s Republic of China. The project comes with a significant budget of FJD $300 million, marking it as a vital component of China’s BRI efforts in Fiji.
During the visit, Rabuka stressed the necessity of including local perspectives in the project. He highlighted that the road upgrades are not only aimed at improving connectivity but also at creating job opportunities for locals during the construction phase. The delegation inspected crucial segments of the road, including a 15 km stretch of Nabouwalu Road (from Bua to Nasolo) and 35 km of the Nabalebale to Dogoru route along the Wailevu West Coast.
Delana Rabalaka, the Fiji Roads Manager North, was also present to provide detailed insights into the logistical and technical aspects of the undertaking. Furthermore, the delegation participated in a briefing led by Provincial Administrator Savusavu Jovesa Naqarikau at the Provincial Administrator’s Office, which outlined the economic potential of the region that the improved infrastructure is expected to unlock.
Ambassador Lee expressed his optimism regarding the project, noting its potential to enhance infrastructure and foster regional development. He pointed out that the upgraded roads will likely benefit critical sectors such as tourism and renewable energy initiatives, including hydropower, thus facilitating better access and connectivity for rural communities.
This project not only represents a significant investment in Fiji’s infrastructure but also reflects a commitment to local community involvement and economic empowerment, promising positive developments for the region.
In summary, Prime Minister Rabuka’s visit underscores the importance of infrastructure development and local participation in projects funded through international initiatives, positioning Fiji for future growth and connectivity.
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