Residents of Vuniyasi and Malakua in Nadi continue to face significant challenges nearly a year after the collapse of a wooden bridge into the Vuniyasi River. The incident, which occurred on January 6 after severe flooding, has left over 2,000 residents without a safe means of crossing the river, forcing them to rely on longer and more expensive alternative routes to access schools, markets, and workplaces.
Students attending SVC and AD Patel Primary School have particularly felt the financial burden, as they now face increased transport costs. The site of the collapsed bridge remains unattended, with tall grass and debris accumulating and raising concerns about safety, especially as the wet season approaches.
Pranilesh Chandra, the Advisory Councillor for Vuniyasi and Malakua, expressed frustration over the lack of progress from the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA). He noted that nearly a year has passed without any clear updates or actionable steps towards repairs, stating, “FRA updated me that they have made the scope this year, and that they’ll put it in this year’s budget, so if this is approved then they’ll start work in July. Almost a year gone and still no scope done by FRA; they have taken one year to make the scope and the budget.”
In response to community concerns, the FRA has acknowledged that the bridge is beyond repair and requires a complete replacement to comply with modern safety, engineering, and climate-resilience standards. The authority reported that survey works and site assessments are finalized, with detailed investigations and procurement processes currently in their final stages.
Despite the delays attributed to these necessary procedures, including technical investigations and securing funding approvals for the national bridge replacement program, the FRA has prioritized the replacement of the Vuniyasi Tramline Bridge within its capital works program. They have assured residents that the construction timeline will be communicated once procurement processes are completed.
Residents remain hopeful that their plea for urgent action will be met and that a safe, durable solution will soon be implemented, allowing them to rebuild their community ties and regain access to vital services with ease.
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