Journey To School Safer, Easier After PM Opens Crossing
‘This project meets the high bar of quality mandated by my Government” - Bainimarama
Children’s journey to school will be easier and safer after Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama opened the Nakorotari Crossing in Labasa, yesterday.
He said for the past 14 months, the Fiji Roads Authority had been constructing this new crossing, establishing a critical link across the Labasa River between the Nakorotari and Siberia roads.
“Today, we end that difficulty for your young people, because we cannot – we will not -- allow our changing climate to limit our nation’s progress or the opportunities afforded to young Fijians,” PM Bainimarama said.
He said the new crossing was a two-lane structure constructed of solid steel piles. “This project meets the high bar of quality mandated by my Government; it is built to a cyclone-resilient standard with a design life of 100 years,” he said.
“Community members from the districts of Wailevu, Wairiki, and Labasa, will all feel the benefits of this new investment, because it can be used as an alternative route around Labasa.
“Whether it is students travelling to school, breadwinners making their way to work, farmers heading to market or Fijians travelling to visit friends and family, I’m proud we’ve helped make their journeys safer and easier by opening this new crossing.”
The new Nakorotari Crossing is a $4.5 million addition to the expanding and improving network of infrastructure across Vanua Levu.
Mr Bainimarama said the opening of the crossing marks the start of his Government’s long-term aim of creating a strategic, climate-proof link between Labasa and Savusavu that would cut travel times between the two towns by up to one hour.
Talanoa session
Residents of Nakorotari, nearby communities and surrounding villages in Labasa returned to their respective homes with much gratitude.
They showed their appreciation as Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama lent his ears to hear and solve their problems and requests during a talanoa session yesterday.