Opening of Yaqara Bridge in Fiji following upgrades financed by AIFFP

Supported by AIFFP financing, the newly replaced Yaqara Bridge in Fiji was opened for use to the local community by the Turaga Na Tui Vatu (Chief) of Vakukaloko alongside Fiji Government and Australian High Commission representatives.

Australia’s Acting Deputy High Commissioner to Fiji, Ms Sophie Temby, attended the bridge opening with Ratu Marika Rasuaki, the Turaga Na Tui Vatu (Chief) of Vakukaloko; the Hon. Ro Filipe Tuisawau, Fiji Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services; Kamal Prasad, Chief Executive Officer of Fiji Roads Authority; and Sonal Goundar, Chief Financial Officer of Fiji Roads Authority on 4 May 2023.

The upgrades to Yaqara Bridge form part of the Fiji Transport Infrastructure Restoration Project, with Australia investing the equivalent of $2.47 million in financing to support the bridge works.

The upgrades mean Yaqara Bridge, a key piece of transport infrastructure for communities in northern Viti Levu, is now climate resilient, with a life of 100-years and the ability to withstand a one in 100-year rainfall event. The bridge will be an important connector of communities in northern Viti Levu, linking people to their families, livelihoods and essential services.

The Fiji Transport Infrastructure Restoration Project involves a total financing package of $72 million to support the Fiji Roads Authority in the renewal or resealing of more than 1.5 million square metres of road surface throughout Fiji, as well as replacement of nine critical bridges that are crucial to the Fijian economy.

Australia is proud to support our Pacific family and we look forward to continuing to support the Government of Fiji to meet its infrastructure needs under the broader investment.