Efforts to enhance the vital Savusavu to Labasa road corridor are gaining momentum, despite facing various obstacles, according to Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau. During a parliamentary session, he outlined the ongoing rip, remake, and reseal projects affecting key locations including Korotasere and Nayarabale. However, these initiatives have faced delays attributed to supply chain issues and contractor performance.
Minister Tuisawau highlighted the scarcity of critical materials, such as bitumen and sealing chips, particularly in the Northern Division, as a significant challenge. He noted, “There have been challenges including the supply of materials, particularly bitumen from overseas and sealing chip materials in the North,” and reassured that the government is actively addressing these contractor-related issues to expedite progress.
In response to these challenges, the government is considering alternative tendering options and plans to award contracts to new local contractors who demonstrate the capability to deliver work more efficiently and to required standards. Tuisawau also announced that in the upcoming financial year, small works programs will be initiated in collaboration with local communities, youth groups, and other organizations to encourage a sense of ownership over infrastructure projects.
Moreover, he reassured Parliament that a restock of bitumen is expected next month, which will allow these road upgrade projects to be accelerated.
This emphasis on local contractor involvement and community engagement reflects a hopeful shift toward improving infrastructure quality, which, if successful, could ensure enhanced connectivity and safety for residents in the northern part of Fiji. The government’s renewed commitment to resolving these issues illustrates a proactive approach to infrastructure management, offering potential benefits not just for the residents along the Savusavu to Labasa corridor, but for the broader economic and social landscape of the region.
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