$820.8m Budget boosts infrastructure

The Coalition Government has committed $820.8 million to strengthen Fiji's transport and public infrastructure, with major investments in roads, bridges, jetties and rural connectivity in the 2026-2027 National Budget.

Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development Mr Esrom Immanuel announced the allocation while delivering the Budget in Parliament last Friday.

He said the funding would support the development and maintenance of critical infrastructure, public utilities and national assets to improve essential services, strengthen connectivity and expand access to markets and economic opportunities.

"We will continue to invest in the development and maintenance of infrastructure, public utilities and national assets to enhance the quality and resilience of essential services, improve connectivity and facilitate greater access to markets and economic opportunities," Mr Immanuel said.

The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) will receive $369.8m to fund road maintenance, renewals and major infrastructure projects nationwide.

The allocation includes $118.2m for road maintenance, $76.6m for road renewals and resealing, $35m for bridge renewals and crossing replacements, $25.8mto seal and upgrade community and rural roads, and $14.9m for new bus shelters and footpaths along Kings and Queens roads.

To reduce congestion in major urban centres, the Government has allocated $20m, including $15.2m for widening Ratu Dovi Road, constructing the Extension Street Bypass and upgrading Ratu Sukuna Road.

Another $4.6m has been set aside for feasibility and design studies for future road-widening projects along the Delainavesi-Veisari corridor, Veikoba-Laqere corridor, Princess Road and the Naisoso-Navutu section of the Nadi-Lautoka corridor.

Mr Immanuel said the projects would improve traffic flow, reduce travel times and support economic growth through a more efficient and resilient transport network.

The Government has also allocated $3.2m to maintain key jetties at Ellington, Savusavu, Taveuni and Rabi, while preparatory work will begin on the Vunikura Jetty. An inter-island jetty feasibility study will also be undertaken to identify future sites and strengthen maritime connectivity.

Detailed designs have been completed for the rehabilitation of the Nabouwalu, Natovi and Savusavu jetties with support from the Asian Development Bank.

Civil works are expected to begin this financial year on replacement of the Lami, Medraukutu, Sabeto and Viseisei bridges, backed by $41.5m in grant funding and concessional loans from the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.

Mr Immanuel said the new bridges would feature wider spans, higher load capacity and climate-resilient designs to improve safety and withstand future natural disasters.

Improving rural connectivity remains a Government priority. In partnership with the Chinese Government, about 82 kilometres of rural roads will be upgraded and 22 bridges built along the Nabouwalu, Wailevu West Coast and Natewa West corridors at an estimated cost of $300m.

The projects are expected to benefit 61 villages and 15 schools by improving access to markets, healthcare and education.

The Government is also working with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to improve the climate resilience of rural roads, with $6.5 million in grant funding secured for feasibility studies.

The Ministry's $820.8m allocation includes $290.6m for the Water Authority of Fiji, $369.8m for the FRA, $79.8m for the Public Works Department, $38.8m for the Land Transport Authority, $9.6m for Government Shipping Services, $9.3m for the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, $7.6m for Fiji Meteorological Services and $6.4m for the Department of Energy.

The ministry received $800.1m in the 2025-2026 National Budget, while the Fiji Roads Authority received $387.7m.