Four-lane road for busy Suva-Lami stretch
TRAFFIC along the Suva-Lami corridor is expected to ease with the construction of a four-lane road along the busy stretch.
Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services Ro Filipe Tuisawau said with the four-lane road, a second bridge would be constructed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
“Currently, the Tamavua-iWai bridge is two-way, and we are grateful that JICA has agreed to fund another two-lane bridge there, which essentially makes it four lanes from Suva to the Tamavua-i-Wai bridge,” Ro Filipe said.
He said the four lanes would be extended to Lami where traffic congestion was a daily occurrence.
“Therefore, ideally, the four lanes should be extended to Lami and onwards.”
Ro Filipe said the future plan for the project was to extend the four-lane stretch towards the Western Division.
“My vision is for Suva to Nadi to be four lanes, that is, two lanes each way.
“As in developed states, which would be ideal as far as safety and convenience are concerned, with the amount of traffic on that main route. “It could be done in stages given its high cost, so we will be working on the project proposal with our development partners to determine the scope, stages, costs, and funding.”
Ro Filipe said to finance this, his ministry would be looking to access climate change funds.
“On funding, we will be working seriously on accessing climate change funds for climate resilient infrastructure, including Suva to Nadi four lanes and for various other projects throughout Fiji including rural roads, bridges, wharves, and jetties.”