FRA CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL 2.5-DAY WORKSHOP ON BUDGET, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND SERVICE DELIVERY REFORMS

The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) has successfully concluded a pivotal 2.5-day workshop that brought together senior staff members from across the three divisions to address key issues ahead of the 2025/26 fiscal year. Held earlier this week at the Pasifika Communities University, the workshop served as a platform for transparent dialogue, collaborative planning, and detailed updates on FRA’s strategies for improving national roading services.

The event opened with a comprehensive review of the 2025/26 budget, alongside analyses of spending trends from the 2023/24 and 2024/25 periods. FRA leadership highlighted critical financial lessons learned and encouraged open discussion around areas for improvement and resource reallocation.

FRA also presented updates on its routine and periodic maintenance work plans, budget allocation for roads, bridges and jetties renewals and new capital programmes including community resilience, tourism and congestion. These sessions explored opportunities for enhancing the return on investment through better project planning and execution, and ensuring every dollar spent delivers value to Fijian road users.

In addressing capital project funding, FRA tackled concerns around the underutilization of local budgets in recent years. The team outlined specific challenges, such as procurement delays, capacity gaps and unfavorable weather conditions, while proposing strategies to close execution gaps and improve fiscal performance going forward.

Key updates were also shared on the Transport Infrastructure Investment Sector Project (TIISP) and other donor-funded projects. Highlights included progress on major infrastructure such as the Tamavua I Wai Bridge, Vunikura, and Korolevu upgrades—critical initiatives that align with national priorities and public service improvements.

Supporting National Pride through Infrastructure

The FRA Board of Directors, Management, and Staff also wishes to express their full support for the upcoming international rugby match between the Flying Fijians and Scotland, scheduled for Saturday, 12 July 2025. This historic event marks a significant milestone for Fiji in hosting a Tier 1 international rugby test match at home—an occasion of national pride.

“As we welcome the Scotland rugby team to our shores, we are reminded of the importance of world-class infrastructure—not just for economic growth but for fostering national pride,” said FRA CEO Mr. Apisai Ketenilagi. “Our roads help bring people together, and events like this are a perfect example of how transport infrastructure plays a vital role beyond just mobility.”

With Fiji at heart, the FRA wishes both the Flying Fijians and the Scotland team the very best for match day and is proud to be part of this exciting moment in Fiji’s sporting history.