October 12, 2015. Close to 5000 Fijians living in Rakiraki, including farming settlements, will be beneficiaries of the newly completed $12million bridge that will be commissioned tomorrow by the Hon. Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
Divisional planning officer West, Sitiveni Tavaga said Government has made a commitment to improve the state of roads and bridges around the country following the neglect from over the years.
“The $12million investment will ease transportation for people to travel and will help everyone from large manufacturers to small farmers take their goods to market, it will attract investment and moreover increase tourist arrivals into the area,” Mr. Tavaga said.
“As for Rakiraki we have seen a boom in tourism activity for the past four years, so with the completion of the bridge will attract more tourists to this part of the country.”
Mr Tavaga added that the bridge provides a vital link in terms of transportation for farmers and daily commuters travelling on the Kings Highways.
The project was completed within one year by the China Railway Fifth Group as the contractor.
Meanwhile, in 2013 Fiji Roads Authority had permanently closed the bridge as authorities have declared that it was no longer safe to use.
With plans to further develop Rakiraki as tourist destination, Mr Tavaga is adamant the bridge will also attract foreign investment to boost the business sector.
DEPTFO