SUVA, January 24, 2025 - A new World Bank project will strengthen the resilience of four major bridges on the main island of Viti Levu in Fiji against natural hazards and climate change benefiting more than half a million people or about 62 percent of the country's total population. The USD199.56 million (FJD464 million) project, will enhance mobility and promote social inclusion and economic opportunities.
"Enhancing the resilience of our infrastructure is important for boosting economic growth, increasing communities' access to employment opportunities - especially for women, and supporting sectors such as tourism, agriculture, commerce, health, education and social protection," said Hon Prof Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance.
The Fiji Critical Bridges Resilience Project, is jointly financed by the Government of Fiji (US$15.06 million), the World Bank (US$50 million), and the Asian Development Bank (US$134.5 million). The four bridges supported through this project provide vital connectivity between the major city and towns, international ports, and other major infrastructure and essential services. The bridges are all located along the main Queens Road from Suva to Lautoka and include Medraukutu, Lami, Viseisei, and Sabeto Bridges and their approach roads.
"We are proud to partner with the Government of Fiji and the Asian Development Bank on this essential work. This is an important and timely initiative that will play a transformative role in strengthening Fiji's infrastructure while ensuring the connectivity, safety, and well-being of communities," said Stefano Mocci, World Bank Group Country Manager for Fiji.
The new project, which is part of the broader Pacific Climate Resilient Transport Program, integrates cutting-edge climate and seismic risk assessments into bridge designs and upgrades to ensure the critical infrastructure is sustainable over the long-term and provides lasting benefits.
The project will raise bridge heights and make use of seismic-resilient ground improvement techniques to ensure the works can withstand severe climatic and geological events. These measures are crucial, given Fiji's vulnerability to extreme weather events, including tropical cyclones and floods, which cause estimated annual economic losses of over USD 220 million (FJD 512 million).
In addition to physical infrastructure improvements, the project places strong emphasis on supporting administration and management of these assets. This includes comprehensive technical assistance to enhance the Fiji Roads Authority's ability to manage transport assets effectively and sustainably.
A dedicated gender program will also promote women's participation in technical and leadership roles within the transport sector, building inclusivity while providing broader opportunities. These efforts align with the World Bank's commitment to address systemic vulnerabilities in Fiji's transport sector while ensuring the benefits of development are shared equitably among all Fijians.
The project is expected to be completed by 2031.
