The Public Works Department (PWD) is gearing up to resume operations following its reinstatement by the government last year. After being closed by the previous administration, the PWD has recently received a boost with the arrival of three trucks, two excavators, and two bulldozers in Suva on Wednesday.
The hand-over ceremony took place at the Vision Motors Showroom in Vatuwaqa, with officials from the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services, and Transport present. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Paula Baleilevuka, expressed that the timely delivery of these machines will significantly enhance infrastructure and capacity building efforts.
Baleilevuka noted that the new equipment is part of a broader initiative to improve road standards and conditions, enhancing accessibility for economic activities. He emphasized that the machinery would bolster the ministry’s ability to conduct road construction and maintenance in rural and remote areas.
The ministry’s new assets include two large excavators, two D6 bulldozers, two dumper trucks, and one flat-top truck, totaling a value of $1,627,104. For the current financial year, the Ministry has a budget of $5 million allocated for the upgrade and enhancement of rural roads. Baleilevuka confirmed that the new equipment and vehicles will be utilized in forthcoming projects.