‘Damage On Our Roads From Recent Floods Cost Over $100m’

The total cost of damage on our roads caused by flooding will exceed the es­timated $25 million damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Cody.

This was confirmed yesterday by the Fiji Roads Authority chief executive officer, Ka­mal Prasad.

Mr Prasad said they had not completed ini­tial assessments on the damage because of to the continuous rain, but on an estimate, the cost of damage was in excess of $100 million.

“The total cost of damage to FRA infra­structure due to flooding will be way more than the total cost of damage caused by TC Cody,” he said.

“It will be three to five times more than the total cost of damage caused by TC Cody.

“All the unsealed roads and low-level crossing all the way from Sigatoka to Raki­raki are damaged. The sealed roads in Nadi Town, Ba Town, Tavua Town and Rakiraki are damaged.

“Some parts of the Kings Road are also damaged due to water crossing over.”

When questioned if FRA had planned a supplementary budget, Mr Prasad said they would look at the capacity in terms of con­tractors and materials.

“We will consider using the savings in the budget for restoration works and if there is any additional money, we need then we will ask the Ministry of Economy for that.”

Delay in Capital Projects

Mr Prasad said that there would be a delay in the capital road projects.

“We will be slow in starting those projects because we will prioritise damage repairs first and then we will re-commence capital projects.”

FRA was carrying out major rehabilita­tion works in Suva, Nausori, Lami, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba and Kings Road from Ba to Ra­kiraki, Kings Road on the Coral Coast and Vanua Levu.

Mr Prasad said they would reassess works in these areas when the weather clears up.

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