China-built bridge opens to traffic in Fiji

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-05-21 11:01

SUVA -- Frustrations faced by the people of Navuso in Fiji's province of Naitasiri will be a thing of the past with the opening of the Navuso Bridge on Thursday marking a new beginning for villagers-thanks to the China Railway Wuju (Group).

Fiji's Ministry of Transport said the opening of the new Navuso Bridge will help improve the livelihoods of the 2000 people of Navuso as it will provide the linkages in terms of accessibility to markets, developments and services in the nearby town and city.

The Navuso Bridge is the latest addition of road infrastructure in the Pacific island country and funding from the Chinese was to the tune of 16 million RMB ($2.3 million).

For the people of Navuso and its neighbors, it is anticipated that commercial activity in the areas would be much more accessible.

Fiji's Vice President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau on Thursday officiated the opening of the bridge that has brought new hope to the people of the province as they rely a lot on accessing the market with their fresh farm produce

The bridge is a symbolic and historic landmark for the people of Navuso who for years have been deprived of a basic means of transportation to and from their villages and nearby schools, health and shopping centers.

The bridge which crosses the famous Waimanu River that links the Princes Road to Navuso Village is 104.5 meters long and 9.1 meters wide.

The bridge was designed by the First Highway Survey & Design Institute of China and is being built by the China Railway Wuju (Group).

The bridge will be a welcome change for the villagers and those who live in the surrounding areas.