Lavenia Foiakau was among happy westerners who celebrated the commissioning of the $9.8million Yaqara Bridge in Ra yesterday.

The new double lane bridge will replace the old bridge which was damaged by floods during Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016.

Ms Foiakau of Drauniivi Village uses the bridge daily to go to work at the FIJI Water plant at Naseyani.

“We are happy with this new bridge which is on the highway,” she said.

“After the bridge was destroyed, we were affected because most villagers used this crossing to go to work at Yaqara, the FIJI Water and Tavua.

“The school children were affected. Now with the new bridge, we are grateful to the relevant ministries and Government.”

Lavenia Foiakau and her mother Ateca Foiakau during the Yaqara Bridge commissioning.

Tui Vatu, Ratu Marika Rasuaki, commended the stakeholders on their effort to rebuild the bridge.

Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services Ro Filipe Tuisawau said Government valued that transportation infrastructure in urban and rural areas were critical to the economy and to the country.

“A reliable transportation network links communities together,” he said.

“It helps people get their goods and crops to the market. It allows people to get to their workplaces and children get to school. It is the backbone of a tourism industry.”

Acting Deputy Australian High Commissioner Sophie Temby said the event was a reminder of the close partnership between Fiji and Australia.

She said the project was made possible through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), to support the Fiji Government’s restoration of Yaqara Bridge.

“Australia is committed to supporting our Pacific family and we look forward to working further with the Government of Fiji to help meet your infrastructure needs and priorities in the years ahead,” she said.

“Australia is proud to support critical transport infrastructure that addresses the challenges presented by climate change.

“We are delighted that the new Yaqara Bridge is climate resilient, with a life of 100-years.”

Story by: Waisea Nasokia

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