The total damage to Fiji Roads Authority infrastructure by TD03F and Tropical Cyclone Cody is approximately $25 million.

This was revealed by Minister for Infrastructure Jone Usamate during a ministerial briefing in Suva on Wednesday.

Mr Usamate said most of the damage was on unsealed roads and low-level crossings.

“It will cost FRA over $6 million to open up the roads so that they are usable,” he said.

“Most of the damage has been seen in the Northern and Western Division, and particularly in the interior of the main islands.

“We have 40 critical bridges that need to be fixed. “As I speak, FRA is currently completing a total of 14 Bridges, has completed 7 new crossings, and refurbished old 5 crossings with new decks, approach slabs and bank protection.”

Water Authority of Fiji (WAF)

Mr Usamate said estimated damages to WAF infrastructure are approximately $1.65 million.

Mr Usamate said the Ba, Lautoka and Nadi wastewater systems were also seriously affected and a total of 55 rural water schemes sustained damages.

Acid rain

Mr Usamate said the WAF team that was part of Government’s deployment to the Lau group yesterday will undertake pH monitoring of water sources in the islands that they visit.

PH is a measure of how acidic or basic water is.

“We can confirm very minimal traces of acid rain in our raw water catchments as all pH were all above 6.5. Water suitable for drinking has a pH of 6.5-8.5.”

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