While there are plans in place by the Fiji Roads Authority to repair critical priority bridges and crossings, residents and motorists on Taveuni in Vanua Levu are frustrated claiming that the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) have failed to deliver what they promised.

Taveuni Taxi Association president and Taveuni District Council chairman Ravindra Kumar said he had received many letters and petitions.

“FRA highlighted on numerous occasions in the media that they have many upgrading of roads and new projects for Northern Division,” Mr Kumar said.

“However, from the beginning of this year nothing has been done for Taveuni.

“Taveuni itself cannot be included under the Northern Division project because it is an island on its own and totally different from the main land.

“Can FRA immediately look into our poor road conditions, drainage and jetties before whatever is left of it falls apart?”

Fiji Roads Authority acting chief executive officer Robert Sen responded saying that there are many plans for Taveuni.

“Such as Naiyalayala Bridge which will be replaced.

Tender for this bridge replacement is in progress.”

“The other plan is the Tropical Cyclone Winston rehabilitation of roads, bridges and jetties,” he said.

“This will cover the rehabilitation and reconstruction works for the damage sustained during TC Winston.

Site investigations are being done for the south coastal road and north coastal road.

We have rollover projects from 2016 to 2017.

For Balili crossing, this will be replaced as investigations are being carried out for the replacement of the crossing.

For Waibula crossing maintenance works are in progress.

The maintenance of slips and culverts in Taveuni are also included.

As for Waiyevo jetty the maintenance works will be carried out by FRA after finalising repair methodology and costs this year or early next year depending upon weather conditions.”

Edited by Mohammed Ali

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