UPCOMING ROAD WORKS ON LAUCALA BAY AND REWA STREET ROUNDABOUTS
May 2, 2025ROAD WORKS ON REWA STREET ROUNDABOUT AND GORDON STREET
May 5, 2025
5th May, 2025
The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) is proud to announce the official reopening of the Lomaloma Jetty on Vanuabalavu Island, on Sunday, 4th May 2025.
This historic milestone marks the culmination of dedicated efforts to restore a vital maritime link that has been closed since 2021 due to damages caused by prolonged exposure to sea water.
The revitalization of Lomaloma Jetty promises to significantly benefit the local community, bolstering economic activity, improving the flow of goods, services, and people, and reinforcing the island’s strategic connectivity with the mainland and beyond.
Lomaloma Jetty has long served as the lifeline for over 780 residents of Vanuabalavu Island, providing essential access for passenger travel and cargo transportation. Its strategic location supports the daily livelihoods of villagers across the 17 villages on Vanuabalevu, facilitating the movement of goods, agricultural produce, and essential supplies.
The jetty’s reopening will enable reliable and regular maritime services, including monthly franchise vessel operations, private vessel trips, and government shipping services, which typically make two to three trips annually.
The Provincial Administrator for the Lau Group, Mr. Iokobo Waqanidrola, said the Lomaloma Jetty had been a long-standing issue, and its reopening has addressed the urgent need for improved infrastructure for the people of Vanuabalavu Island.
The reopening of our Lomaloma Jetty is not just a repair; it is the mending of our island’s heart. Since 2021, we have felt the absence of this vital link and the reopening of the jetty has brought relief for the people with daily movement of goods and services,” said Mr. Waqanidrola.
We are working towards narrowing the gap between the urban and island communities in terms of infrastructure service delivery, and we are grateful to have the jetty operational again. This will now also provide a significant boost for tourism as we have a better port of entry,” he added.
The upgrades and maintenance carried out in preparation for the reopening, which included targeted improvements to the jetty’s steel decking and structural components, reflect a commitment to ensuring safety, durability, and reliability.
The FRA recognizes and appreciates the patience and resilience of the Vanuabalavu community during the closure period.
The Mata-ni-Tikina of Lomaloma Island, Mr. Jone Soiakau speaking to FRA said he is so grateful to FRA for the new jetty and the work carried out to restore the jetty.
Our families have struggled to travel, our farmers have faced challenges getting their produce to market, and the flow of essential goods has been a constant worry. This jetty is more than concrete and steel; it is our connection to the world, from bringing in supplies to welcoming back our loved ones,” he said.
Seeing that loading and unloading of goods has become so easy fills our hearts with immense gratitude and hope. The FRA has shown us that we are not forgotten, and this reopening is a promise of a brighter future for all of Vanuabalavu, he said.
The reopening of Lomaloma Jetty underscores the government’s dedication to providing safe, reliable, and efficient transportation links to outer islands, which are essential for social cohesion, economic prosperity, and improved quality of life.
As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to ongoing investments in infrastructure that strengthen connectivity, promote tourism, and support the vibrant livelihoods of island communities.
FRA looks forward to seeing the positive impacts this development will bring, not only in terms of economic activity but also in enhancing social well-being and environmental sustainability across Vanuabalevu.
