CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SUSPENSION BRIDGE IN BUA BEGINS

After a decade of waiting, relief is finally in sight for the people of the chiefly village of Bua Lomanikoro, as construction begins for a new suspension bridge.

The $1.3 million project will directly benefit over 800 residents from Bua Lomanikoro, Tiliva, and Dalomo villages—providing safe and reliable access for the communities after years of hardship.

The bridge that was destroyed in 2016 was the means of easy access for students, farmers, families and all neighbouring communities.

At the official ground breaking ceremony on 13th June, Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Hon. Ro Filipe Tuisawau congratulated the villagers for a new bridge that will change lives for the villagers once completed.

Resilient and improved infrastructure is key to enhancing the livelihoods of rural communities. This project is more than just steel and concrete – it is a bridge of hope, progress, and connection for the communities that have long waited for a safe and reliable way to cross this river,” he said.

Turaga-Ni-Koro, Maciu Mailekutu thanked the government for listening the plea of the villager for a new bridge.

I am so thankful that this is finally happening. We have waited for 10 years and this has been long. We are happy that our request was finally taken into consideration to build a new bridge,” he said.

We look forward to the new suspension bridge as it will bring so much relief for the villagers, students, and farmers,” he added.

The village is home to school students who cross the river daily to attend classes, women who operate canteens, and farmers with plantations on the other side—making the bridge essential for their daily livelihoods.

Titilia Tukubu, a resident of Bua Lomanikoro, says she is overjoyed that a new bridge is finally being built, describing it as a much-needed development for her family and community.

My husband is a farmer with a plantation on the other side of the river, and I run a small canteen. We both have to cross the river to earn a living, so the new bridge will make our lives so much easier,” said Ms. Tukubu.

Whenever I need to restock my canteen, I have to wait for a boat to cross the river. Sometimes the wait is long, and when it rains, it becomes even more difficult.”

She also highlighted the challenges faced by students who attend school across the river. “They usually travel by RSL, which takes longer. If the RSL is late or unavailable, they have to rely on boats to get across. When services are disrupted due to bad weather, students often miss school. This bridge will be a huge help for them too,” she added.

Ms. Duinisi Tabakei from nearby village of Nawailevu, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony, shared her excitement about the new bridge and what it will mean for the community.

I am really happy that the bridge is finally being built. Once it’s completed, travelling across will be so much easier for all of us,” she said.

“Everyone is pleased because we have waited a long time for this. Whenever we have community events and need to travel across the river, it’s always a challenge—but the new bridge will change that.”

We usually travel by bus, which takes longer. Having a bridge will make the journey quicker and more convenient,” she added

Hon. Minister thanked the local communities for their patience and resilience over the years, and acknowledged the efforts of Fiji Roads Authority and Public Works for their continued dedication in constructing the bridge.

The first phase of the project, which involves constructing bridge towers on both sides of the river, is expected to be completed by July 2025. The second phase is scheduled to begin in August and is projected to be completed by December.