Countries sign deal for new bridge

THE Japanese embassy has signed an agreement for the detail design for the construction of the Tamavua-i-wai bridge.

Japanese ambassador Omura Masahiro said the formalisation of the detail design phase marked a significant step in the commitment.

“Japan will provide the necessary engineering, social and environmental studies of the Tamavua-i-wai bridge worth approximately $1.2 million Fijian dollars,” he said.

“Following this detail design phase, the main construction phase is expected to be formalised early next year.

“The difficulties faced by the general public when the major closure in 2016 happened, followed by several part closures resulted in traffic jams for people in their daily commute as there is no alternative route across the Tamavua-i-wai River.

“In order to address those challenges, the new two-lane bridge that Japan will be building is expected to be constructed on the old Tamavua-i-wai bridge site, parallel to the existing bridge. This phase will involve careful survey and study of the area.

“It will also focus on proper in depth evaluation of the site together with relevant engineering and construction information in order to ensure that the new bridges will serve Fijian communities and businesses as a resilient infrastructure against natural disaster.”

Infrastructure Minister Jone Usamate thanked the Japanese embassy for its support through the Japan International Cooperation Agency over the years.

“Through its five-year and 20-year national development plan, the Fijian Government has embarked on modernising infrastructure with substantial investment to improve our roads, bridges, jetties, streetlights and footpaths,” Mr Usamate said.