The Japanese Government and the people of Japan have long provided strong support to the Fijian Government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and over the years, the two countries have fostered a deep and productive relationship.
This was highlighted by the Minister for Infrastructure Jone Usamate during the signing of the Exchange of Notes for the Construction Phase of the Project for Reconstruction of the Tamavua-i-Wai Bridge today (29/03/22).
"The formalisation of the Construction phase marks a significant step which will pave the way for the construction and completion of the bridge and on behalf of the Fijian Government, and particularly on this very occasion; I extend my very sincere and heartfelt appreciation to the Government and People of Japan," Minister Usamate said.
"I am thankful to the Japanese Government for providing the necessary engineering, social and environmental studies of the Tamavua-i-wai Bridge for both the Detail Design and the Main Construction phase and I am told that the total cost of the Construction phase signed today is worth approximately 60 million Fijian dollars."
The Minister added that the Tamavua-i-Wai Bridge provides a critical linkage between Suva and Lami, as well as the greater western division via the Queens Road as it ensures a continuous flow of goods and services, transportation of people and movement of cargo, not only to and from the Suva port but on a broader scale, from the Capital City of Suva to the rest of western Viti Levu.
While aligned to Fiji’s National Development Plan by providing access to transportation through an efficient and sustainable transport network, the project is also in line with the Government’s vision of expanding the Suva/Lami Corridor to four lanes.
Minister Usamate explained that the new bridge is aimed at alleviating traffic congestion, as it will cover one of the most difficult construction sites of the Suva/Lami Corridor expansion.
"The bridge will stimulate social and economic improvement in the Tamavua area and beyond and will serve Fijian communities and businesses as a resilient infrastructure," he said.