FRA begins Burnt Bridge restoration works, residents hopeful

The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) has begun restoration works on the Waidamudamu Bridge at Nakorotari in Labasa, which was damaged in a suspected arson attack last week.

In a press advisory, FRA confirmed that full deck replacement works on the bridge commenced this morning.

The bridge has been closed to all traffic since last Monday after a suspected arson attempt resulted in sections of the wooden deck being burnt. The full deck replacement involves removing and replacing the bridge’s wooden structure and planks to restore safety and ensure long-term use.

Korotari advisory councillor Satish Chand welcomed the start of restoration works but said repairs must ensure the bridge’s durability.

“While this restoration will bring relief and restore normalcy for residents, the repairs must be done properly so the bridge lasts,” Mr Chand said.

He said frustration among residents, coupled with the suspected arson incident, reflected calls for a permanent solution rather than temporary fixes.

FRA has advised members of the public to continue using alternative routes via the Nakorotari Crossing towards Waikisi and Siberia Road, as well as the Vunimoli Feeder Road connecting to Waidamudamu Road.

Access will be restored once the bridge works are completed and the structure is declared fully operational.

Mr Chand said residents deserved reliable road infrastructure, noting that funds allocated for road and bridge repairs should benefit all communities equally.

“School children and the elderly will immediately benefit once the bridge reopens,” he said.

The Vunimoli and Korotari areas are home to many crop and vegetable farmers, with Korotari supplying large quantities of produce to the Labasa market. The area is widely known as the “salad bowl of Labasa”.

Bus services to the area remain operational, although with added inconvenience. Two buses have been deployed on either side of the damaged bridge. Passengers are transported to the bridge, walk approximately 100 metres across, and board another bus on the opposite side to continue their journey to Labasa Town.

Resident and bus commuter Filomone Masarau welcomed the restoration works. The 31-year-old crop farmer said communities wanted an end to the destruction of Government-funded infrastructure.

“We want to get rid of this burning culture where public infrastructure is destroyed,” he said.

Mr Masarau said residents were hopeful the repairs would be completed quickly, rather than having to endure weeks of delays during the full deck replacement process.