Salutation
Ni Sa Bula Vinaka and a very good morning to you all.
Acknowledgement
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we stand today, Ki Cakaunitabua Vua Na Turaga, Na Tui Bui.
I pay my respects to their Chiefs, past, present and emerging leaders and I acknowledge their enduring role within the Vanua, we are grateful for their custodianship, which allows us to convene for this important occasion.
Introduction
1.0 It is a great privilege to join you today to officially commission the Bua Suspension Bridge—a significant milestone for the people of Bua and another important investment in Fiji’s national development journey.
2.0 Today is not simply about opening a bridge. It is about opening new opportunities for our people, strengthening communities, connecting livelihoods, and investing in a more prosperous future for Fiji.
3.0 This bridge stands as a symbol of what we can achieve when Government, the Vanua, local communities, development partners and our people work together with a shared commitment to nation-building.
Building the Foundations for Fiji’s Future
4.0 The Coalition Government recognises that modern, resilient infrastructure is fundamental to achieving sustainable economic growth and improving the quality of life for every Fijian.
5.0 Our National Development Plan 2025–2029 provides a clear pathway towards achieving Vision 2050—our ambition of becoming a high-income country by 2050, supported by sustained economic growth of around 6 percent annually.
6.0 Achieving this vision requires more than sound economic policies. It requires strategic investments that unlock productivity, expand economic participation, reduce regional disparities and connect every Fijian to opportunity.
7.0 The commissioning of this bridge represents one such investment. It demonstrates that infrastructure is not simply about concrete and steel—it is an investment in people, productivity and inclusive economic development.
Connecting Communities to Opportunity
8.0 For the people of Bua, this bridge removes barriers that have constrained development for many years.
9.0 It will provide safer access for children travelling to school, improve access to healthcare and essential Government services, strengthen the movement of agricultural produce to markets, support local businesses and improve connectivity across surrounding communities.
10.0 These improvements directly contribute to stronger local economies, higher household incomes and greater participation in Fiji’s national economy.
11.0 When rural communities are better connected, the entire nation becomes stronger and more productive.
Empowering Communities as Partners in Development
12.0 This project also reflects an important principle of our development agenda—that national development is most successful when communities themselves become active partners in delivering it.
13.0 The Vanua, local communities and Local Organising Units (LOUs) play a vital role in identifying priorities, supporting implementation and safeguarding public infrastructure.
14.0 Development cannot be driven by Government alone. It succeeds when Government and communities work together in genuine partnership, with shared ownership and shared responsibility.
15.0 Through this partnership, our rural communities are empowered to become active contributors to economic growth, community resilience and national prosperity. That is the essence of inclusive development.
Investing Where It Matters Most
16.0 The Bua Suspension Bridge has been delivered through a two-phase programme valued at approximately $1.97 million.
17.0 While this represents a significant financial investment, its true value will be measured by the opportunities it creates for generations to come.
18.0 Approximately 701 people from 133 households across Dalomo, Tiliva, Bua Lomanikoro, Navuniyevu, Waitabu, Luvuluvu, Tavusa and Nawi will directly benefit from safer and more reliable access throughout the year.
19.0 This investment will improve education outcomes, strengthen healthcare access, increase agricultural productivity, support commerce and enhance disaster resilience.
20.0 These are the investments that strengthen communities while contributing to long-term national growth.
Strengthening Government Delivery
21.0 Today’s commissioning also reflects the Government’s commitment to rebuilding national capability through the strengthening of the Public Works Department.
22.0 The successful delivery of this project demonstrates the value of restoring technical expertise, engineering excellence and implementation capacity within Government.
23.0 Strong institutions deliver quality infrastructure. Quality infrastructure supports economic development. Economic development improves the lives of our people. This remains the Coalition Government’s commitment.
Building a Climate-Resilient Fiji
A Shared Achievement
27.0 I extend my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, the Public Works Department, engineers, contractors, traditional leaders, community members and everyone whose dedication made this project possible.
Conclusion
29 Ladies and Gentlemen, Today we celebrate much more than the completion of a bridge. We celebrate stronger communities. We celebrate greater opportunity. We celebrate partnership and we celebrate another important step towards building a more connected, inclusive, resilient and prosperous Fiji.
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