13 Oct 2015

Fiji government promises new bridge within a year

2:24 pm on 13 October 2015

The Fiji government says it will complete a much-needed bridge project near the town of Rakiraki, with the Prime Minister to commission the project tomorrow.

Fiji prime minister Frank Bainimarama

Fiji prime minister Frank Bainimarama Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades

It says almost 5,000 Fijians will benefit, including farmers, and will cost US$560,000.

The existing bridge was closed in 2013 after being deemed unsafe.

The divisional planning officer for the Western Division, Sitiveni Tavaga, says the state of roads and bridges around the country have been neglected over the years and the government is committed to improving them.

He says the new bridge on the Kings Highway will help both large manufacturers and small farmers take their goods to market, and will also attract investment and increase tourist to the area.

The government says the project will be completed in a year's time.