Labasa Residents Want Bridge Upgrade

Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad, says, they are aware of the Labasa ratepayers, residents and the business communities call for Government to repair the bridge at the hospital end of town.

“This will be up for discussion and the National Budget could consider some deliberations in this project,” Mr Prasad said.

“These are issues that would be looked into.”

However, he said as a Government, they remain committed to increasing budgetary allocations to improve rural roads infrastructure.

“This budget will focus on improving road networks in rural areas to assist local communities access Government services,” he said.

Mr Prasad clarified that while not all Budget submissions would be considered, utilisation of funds would be considered on immediate significance requests.

Projects lined up for development include, energy, water and sewage, critical Government infrastructure: meteorological and hydrological services.

Meanwhile a five-year strategic project plan has been developed for Northern Division roads.

This includes the on-going maintenance of roads in Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Rabi.

Transforming of the Nabouwalu and Savusavu jetties to ports of entry are now in the design and investigation phase.

The official from the ministry who spoke on behalf of the line Minister, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, confirmed they have a bridge replacement programme for Labasa Town likewise for the Volovi Bridge.

This replacement programme is in line with the Labasa Town’s bypass road project that is currently in the design and investigation phase.

There is a $115 million investment plan for wastewater management in the Northern Division by 2030.

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