Thousands of people in Vanua Levu are expected to benefit from improved road access to schools, healthcare and essential services, following the Ceremony of Approval of the External Review of the Preliminary Design for the China-Aid Fiji Vanua Levu Road Upgrading Project.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says this project highlights the strong partnership between Fiji and China, where, with a $300 million grant, more than 80 kilometres of rural roads will be upgraded.
He says these include the Nabouwalu Road, from the Nabouwalu Road seal end to Nasolo Bridge, with a length of 15 kilometres; the Wailevu West Coast Road, from Nabalebale Junction on the Savusavu Highway to Dogoru Settlement, with a length of 35 kilometres; and the Natewa West Coast Road, starting from the Buca Bay Road junction at Nacavanadi to Korotasere, with a length of 32 kilometres.
He says the project will directly benefit 61 villages and 15 schools, ensuring safer access to education, improved healthcare access, and a better quality of life for thousands in the Northern Division.
He says the upgrades will also help reduce rural isolation, strengthen community connections, and promote balanced development.
The Prime Minister says the project will support economic growth by helping farmers transport goods more easily, improving access to markets, and will also attract more visitors to Vanua Levu.
He says local jobs will be created during the construction phase, supporting families and communities.
Minister for Public Works and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau says this is a critical stage and, after two years of careful planning and discussion, the initial work, including field surveys and preliminary design, has been successfully completed.
He says they are now working on the bidding process for contractors, and they are optimistic that mobilisation and construction will begin around October, with the project expected to be completed by 2029.
He says the project has involved years of detailed studies and engineering work to ensure the roads are climate-resilient and meet international standards.
He also stresses that strong monitoring and strict technical requirements will ensure contractors deliver quality work.
Tuisawau has thanked landowners and communities in the North for their co-operation, saying their support is key to delivering roads that will connect people, improve access to services, and create economic opportunities.
People's Republic of China Chargé d’Affaires Wang Yuan says the project is the latest highlight in the long history of friendship between China and Fiji.
He says that during Prime Minister Rabuka’s visit to China in 2024, the two leaders held in-depth discussions on the project, and under their strategic guidance, the Chinese and Fijian teams have worked closely together, demonstrating the strong friendship between the two countries.
He adds that as a reliable friend and partner, China is ready to continue working with Fiji to deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure and green development, and to implement more high-quality projects for social benefit.
He says the project will serve as a vital transportation link and strengthen ties between the people of the two countries, further reinforcing their longstanding friendship.
