IMPROVED ROAD BRINGS RELIEF FOR KORONIVIA RESIDENTS

Good roads are more than just a means of transportation — they connect communities, improve access to essential services, boost economic activity, and enhance quality of life.

A major milestone for Koronivia community, as the road leading through the area to the end of Nakaikogo Primary School is being tar sealed for the very first time.

After years of navigating dusty tracks and muddy conditions, residents are finally seeing long-awaited progress that promises safer, smoother, and more reliable access for vehicles, pedestrians, and public services.

The people of the community have responded positively, expressing their appreciation and support for the long-awaited road improvement.

Children are among the greatest beneficiaries of the new road. Nakaikogo Primary School, located within the community, is attended by many local students, and parents have expressed deep gratitude that the journey to school will now be safer and more accessible for their children.

Litiana Tiko, a resident of the community for the past six years and a mother of one, shared her appreciation for the much-needed road upgrade, noting the significant difference it will make compared to previous years.

I am truly grateful that the FRA is finally improving this road. In the past, heavy rain would cause so many issues. There were times we couldn’t even send our children to school because of the poor road conditions. Now, we’re relieved and happy — this development will bring real change to the community, especially for the school,” she said.

While speaking with FRA, Ms. Tiko also raised her concerns about the years of dealing with dust from the unsealed road.

We had to constantly wash everything — sometimes even rewash clothes because the dust would settle on them again,” she said.

We used netting sheets to cover our house just to keep the dust from collecting on the roof and walls. It’s been a real challenge for us,” she added.

For farmers, the improved road access means they can now transport their produce with fewer delays and better access.

Waisea Tava, a farm assistant who works alongside other laborers in the area, says the new roadworks are a welcome improvement for everyone, especially farmers.

We use large trucks to transport manure for the farm and vegetables, and the road upgrades has made things much easier for us,” he said.

It’s good for the community — now buyers can reach us more easily, and the whole process is much more convenient,” he added.

The advisory counselor for the area, Satya Deo, also expressed his sincere appreciation to the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) for commencing the long-awaited works in Koronivia, admitting he never expected the project to begin so soon.

The new road will bring great relief to the people of Koronivia, especially the students of Nakaikogo Primary School — their daily walk to school will now be much easier,” he said.

When road and bridge conditions are good, the entire community benefits. Koronivia is a rapidly developing area — we have a restaurant, supermarket, service station, shops, and a large number of farmers. Improved infrastructure will support this growth and make everyday life better for everyone,” he added.

The Fiji Roads Authority acknowledges the vital role that a well-maintained road network plays in driving economic growth and improving access to essential services. As part of its medium- to long-term development plans, FRA is working towards delivering better roading infrastructure.

The road works are progressing well, with 660 metres of sealing completed on old seal and 700 metres of shoulder widening works successfully carried out. In total, 2.4 kilometers of road in Koronivia are scheduled to be rehabilitated as part of this project.

The tar sealing and road improvement works are expected to be completed by early July, bringing benefits to residents and daily commuters.

FRA remains firmly committed to managing, maintaining, and developing Fiji’s roads to support the nation’s progress.

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