Infrastructure a conduit to better life
INFRASTRUCTURE development- new roads, bridges or even short walkways- have an immediate impact on the lives of the people. This is evident in the elated faces of villagers when such projects are delivered right at their doorstep and it was with this in mind that Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, welcomed the formalisation of the exchange of notes for the road upgrade project in parts of Vanua Levu to the tune of $300 million. As a part of the Peoples’ Coalition Government’s plans to boost infrastructure development and promote rural development with the assistance from the People’s Republic of China, it will attend to the maintenance and upgrade of 82 kilometres of rural roads in Vanua Levu.
Prime Minister Rabuka said, “The upgrade of these roads will provide better services and access to remote villages and communities, particularly access to markets, education, healthcare, public services and associated economic activities as well as effective construction and management of sealed and unsealed roads”. “This project is envisaged to provide the enabling environment to the private sector and the business community to invest in Vanua Levu.”
The project, which will be under the China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), will focus on the maintenance and upgrade rural roads, including parts of the Natewa-West Coast and the Nabalebale-Naviavia/ Dawara Roads in Cakaudrove and part of the Nabouwalu-Makolei Road in Bua. It will involve 22 bridges being constructed that will benefit 61 villages and 15 schools and improve access to hospitals and medical facilities as well as to the USP and FNU Campuses in Labasa. “I wish to commend China’s ongoing cooperation in advancing issues of mutual priorities at the regional and global arena. The “One China Policy”, has been the firm foundation of Fiji-China diplomatic relations, founded some 49 years ago.” “I thank Chinese Ambassador Zhou Jian for our continuing discussions on the prospects for future cooperation in the areas of socio-economic development.” Meanwhile, the testament of the impact of such developments was evident in the hearty reaction to the $4 million Toga Bridge.
Putting all the hardships of decades behind her was 79-year-old Ro Litiana Divavesi from Vunisei village who described Toga Bridge’s completion as a historic event, one that will improve life in her village and ensure the safety of her grandchildren. The bridge will serve three villages—Muana, Vunisei, and Navatuyaba—as well as nearby settlements, a primary school, and two pre-schools.