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The Government will support the routine upgrading of the Namosi Road. This is to ensure the completion of works required during the pre-feasibility study phase of the Namosi Copper Mine venture, as well as meeting the transportation needs of the Namosi people. Cabinet based its decision on a submission by the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Mr Netani Sukanaivalu. Mr Sukanaivalu said that since January 2008 the Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) owned by Newcrest (Fiji) Ltd., Nittetsu Mining Co., Ltd and Mitsubishi Materials Corporation has focused its operation to explore the opportunity to develop any potential copper and gold mining operations in the Namosi area. He said that the Namosi Road was the major road access to the Namosi area for the NJV and the people of the upper Waidina River. “The road surface is in a poor state of repair and regularly results in damage to vehicles and presents a risk to travellers. “Landslides and road washouts are also a common occurrence with the road having been cut off to all traffic on at least two occasions since January 2008.” Mr Sukanaivalu said that the bridge crossing of the Waidina River at the Waivaka village was also in a poor state of repair within the central sections of the crossing subsiding as a result of flood water undermining the foundations. “While this crossing is still functional, further subsidence will render the crossing unsafe for trucks and heavy equipment, and may become impassable to all traffic.” Mr Sukanaivalu said that to help the NJV continue to operate in an effective manner and to provide safe access for the people of Namosi, the Government will undertake routine upgrading of the Namosi Road to ensure road surface is in a good state of repair, and undertake maintenance work on culverts along the Namosi Road to prevent washouts undermining the road stability. He said that the Government will also review the state of the Waidina River crossing at Waivaka village and undertake any works to ensure a stable and safe crossing is maintained. -End- (No.2143) |
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