The construction of the Saliadrau bridge seems imminent as tender notices were recently released. For over 20 years, the residents of Saliadrau in Namosi have had to traverse rugged landscapes and cross rivers to access schools or connect to main roads. Namosi Provincial Council public administrator, Laisenia Tui, confirmed to the media that work on the project is set to begin soon.
Companies interested in the project are to visit the site next week. Tui further revealed that the estimated budget for the project is approximately $5 million, an amount to be covered by the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development. This information has been verified by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Isoa Talemaibua.
Expected to be completed in the next financial year, the temporary solution for the villagers of Waivaka includes the provision of boats to navigate the river. The council also plans to employ engineers and surveyors for the initial technical assessment. This will facilitate the selection of a competent company to execute the bridge construction.
The Japanese Government previously donated over $200,000 to assist in building the Saliadrau bridge. Also noteworthy is the Waivaka bridge constructed in 2015 at a cost of about $320,000.