Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka updated Parliament this morning on the Vanua Levu Roads Upgrade Project, which is to be funded by the funded by a Grant from the Peoples’ Republic of China through the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA).
The project is expected to commence in 2025 and it is anticipated to be completed within 24- 36 months after completion of necessary technical work.
PM Rabuka highlighted that the project will stimulate development of tourism, renewable energy projects including hydro power facilities and the transport and movement of people including through the planned Nabouwalu township which is the main transport link to Viti Levu.
Stemming from the “One China Policy”, which has been the firm foundation of Fiji-China diplomatic relations founded some 49 years ago, he stated the project is part of China’s global development initiatives, with a specific focus on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
“The BRI is designed to foster economic connectivity, trade, and cultural exchange, particularly through infrastructure development. This also resonates with our national development objectives,” he said.
“The BRI aligns with Fiji’s agenda, emphasising shared goals of policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, trade facilitation and financial integration. Since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2018, bilateral and economic cooperation and people-to- people exchanges have yielded fruitful results.”
The PM further remarked that Fiji will continue to promote cooperation with China under the framework of the BRI in areas such as infrastructure construction, renewable energy, agriculture and fisheries.
The China Aid project will improve the following roads in Vanua Levu:
(i) part of the Nabouwalu-Makolei Road in Bua;
(ii) Natewa-West Coast in Cakaudrove,
(iii) Nabalebale-Naviavia/Dawara Roads in Cakaudrove
The project is estimated to cost FJD $300m and will be the flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Fiji.
“The Project will fulfil our objectives to promote economic growth, foster fair distribution of development gains to the population, and improving social conditions, particularly in rural areas,” the Prime Minister added.
“This project will also facilitate better access to health facilities for those in the districts of Vaturova, Koroalau, Wailevu, Solevu, Vuya and Nabouwalu with a population of approximately 10,000.”
In conclusion, PM Rabuka expressed the Fiji Government’s appreciation to the people and Government of the Peoples Republic of China for their continued assistance and support.
