Gone Turaga na Qaranivalu, Naivisere Matanikutu;
Gone Turaga na Tui Toga, Vanua Naqavoka;
Gone Turaga nai Talatala;
Chairman ni Matabose Fiji Roads Authority;
Chairman ni Matabose ni Yasana o Rewa;
Talai Veivuke ni wasewase e loma;
Turaga Roko Tui Rewa;
Marama PA Rewa;
Turaga na Marama, Cauravou kei na Goneyalewa.
Ni sa bula vinaka and a very good morning to you all.
It gives me great pleasure to be here this morning to be part of this historical occasion and to officiate the commissioning of the new Toga bridge.
At the outset, I would like to acknowledge the “vanua”, Traditional Owners of the land on which we gather today and pay my respects to their Elders, past and present. I extend that respect to the Elders of the vanua from other communities who may be here today.
I wish to convey my sincere gratitude to the traditional ceremony accorded to me this morning – vinaka vakalevu na yalo ni veivakaturagataki kei na veivakamenemenei.
Road infrastructure is critical to the economic development of any nation. The availability of good roads and bridges creates transportation networks that make it easier for people to travel and goods to be transported. This, in turn, promotes trade and commerce, leading to an increase in economic development and growth.
For Fiji, sustainable road infrastructure development in our rural communities is very critical as it drives development and improve livelihood.
The new Toga Bridge is a critical project that was long overdue and one that was long awaited for by the people.
In this regard, I wish to thank you all for your patience and perseverance over the years.
Coming into office as the Minister for Roads, I have made it a priority to speed up the process in delivering this project to ensure that it comes into fruition.
As you are aware, we had the groundbreaking ceremony for this new bridge in January last year and I am delighted that it has been successfully executed as we are witnessing today.
The old low level crossing was not suited to the ambition of your communities. In heavy rains, it would flood and become uncrossable. It affected the movement of people, students to school and farmers had to make multiple trips to transport their produce to the market. More trips mean more expenses which means fewer profits.
With this new bridge, this experience will be a thing of the past.
The project represents a $4 Million investment in your communities –– one which you sought and your Government of the Day delivered.
Today we have a bridge that is certainly worth the wait.
Today is not only a day of celebration but it also marks a new beginning for the lives of the people of Toga and a promising future for our children.
This bridge is strong enough to support the weight of heavy trucks and it is safe enough to serve as a reliable connection between your communities and the rest of the nation because it is built to a climate-resilient standard.
This new infrastructure will directly benefit the three villages namely Muana, Vunisei and Navatuyaba, nearby settlements, a primary school and two Pre-Schools. This is one of the many rural projects that Government will deliver to assist rural dwellers.
To conclude, I wish to acknowledge everyone that have worked tirelessly behind the scene in making this project a success namely, the Vanua Naqavoka; the contractor, China Railway First Group; Fiji Roads Authority and Government.
On that note, it gives me great pleasure to open the new Toga Bridge.
Thank you and Vinaka vakalevu.