Villagers welcome Fiji Roads Authority vegetation work contract

Villagers in parts of Labasa have welcomed the Fiji Roads Authority’s (FRA) call for expressions of interest (EOI) for vegetation works, aimed at involving rural communities in small-scale road maintenance.

The FRA advertised the initiative on its official Facebook page and website, inviting rural community groups, church groups and village organisations to participate in maintaining local roads.

Long-time Urata resident Sujit Sharma said the initiative would help ensure roads are kept clean and safe.

“The road would be maintained with timely trimming undertaken to ensure it is wide enough for motorists,” Mr Sharma said.
“Overgrown vegetation restricts road width, creating narrow stretches. Villagers and community members should maximise this opportunity and earn money for clearing vegetation, helping their families.”

Mr Sharma also noted that large tree branches often get caught on the bridge in their area, restricting river flow and increasing flooding risk. “Timely debris clearance is vital,” he said.

Similarly, Lagalaga resident Yogendra Ram, who frequently raises concerns about blocked drains and overgrown vegetation, said contracting community members for the work would be more effective.

“The road worsens when drains are not unclogged, and excess water deteriorates the road. Having the community on stand-by to clear vegetation and debris is important,” Mr Ram said.

The FRA stated that the selected villages and communities will be entrusted with essential road maintenance tasks in rural and remote areas, empowering them to take ownership of public infrastructure.

The contract will include roadside weeding and mowing, clearing debris from bridges and crossing structures, and general road debris removal.

The EOI closes on 5 September.