The Public Works Department (PWD) has been officially established as a legal entity within the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services & Transport. This development comes as the government takes important steps to improve road conditions across the country, particularly in rural and maritime areas where many roads have been neglected.
Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau expressed concerns about the poor state of some rural roads, attributing their degradation to the previous government’s oversight. He explained that many roads not included in the Fiji Roads Authority’s (FRA) inventory were classified as non-FRA roads and, as a result, did not receive regular maintenance.
With the new Coalition Government in place, there has been a shift in priorities. The reinstatement of the PWD aims to ensure that all roads, regardless of their classification, receive the attention they require. The government has invested in heavy road work machinery, which is now deployed in various locations, including Suva, Lautoka, and Labasa.
Current road work efforts by the PWD are focused on several areas, including Nasereilagi, Nalidi, and Roma in Ra, Naisogo in Naitasiri, Nasealevu in Macuata, and Vanuabalavu in Lau. This initiative not only reflects a commitment to enhancing infrastructure but also aims to create better connectivity and accessibility for communities that have faced challenges due to inadequate road conditions.
This move by the government is a positive step toward improving transportation infrastructure, which can lead to economic growth and better quality of life for the residents of Fiji. It demonstrates a proactive approach to tackling longstanding issues and prioritizes the needs of those living in rural and maritime areas.
In summary, the revival of the Public Works Department and the deployment of roadwork machinery illustrate the government’s commitment to address infrastructure needs, providing hope for improved road conditions and community connectivity across Fiji.
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