New Delhi: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $199.5 million project to help Fiji build four climate-resilient bridges. The project will replace critical bridges on Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu to improve domestic transport connectivity, an ABD release stated.
The $120 million ADB concessional loan and $14.5 million grant from the Asian Development Fund (ADF) will fund the Critical Bridges Resilience Project. The ADF provides grants to the poorest and most vulnerable developing countries that are members of the ADB, the release said. The government of Fiji will provide $15 million in counterpart financing. The World Bank is also proposed as a joint cofinancer, contributing a $50 million loan.
“The construction of the four bridges in Lami, Medraukutu, Sabeto, and Viseisei will transform domestic connectivity providing better linkages to markets, schools, and health services,” ADB Pacific Subregional Office regional director Aaron Batten said in a statement.
Fiji’s transport infrastructure, especially roads and bridges, is often damaged by natural disasters. The project will build four main bridges resilient to climate change and disasters, the release revealed. New bridges and approach roads will include adequate space for sidewalks and safety elements. The project will also help the Fiji Roads Authority improve its asset management and prepare gender-responsive policies and investments.