Road upgrade projects currently in progress across various regions of Fiji are being financed through climate funding obtained via the Duavata Partnership between the Fijian and New Zealand governments. This partnership is focused on enhancing climate resilience throughout the nation.
The initiative follows the establishment of the Country Flexible Finance Partnership Arrangement in November 2023, which provided Fiji with FJD 27.6 million in budget support specifically for climate-related projects. These endeavors are designed to directly implement Fiji’s Climate Change Act and mitigate the escalating impacts of climate change.
The funding, received in January 2024, is allocated through the national budget and distributed to different ministries and agencies responsible for delivering climate-resilient infrastructure and essential services nationwide. Over a period of three financial years, the program has already supported five principal climate projects during the 2023-2024 fiscal year, with plans for an additional five projects in 2024-2025 and 13 more identified for 2025-2026.
As part of this funding, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change collaborated with the Ministry of Finance to allocate FJD 3.5 million to the Fiji Roads Authority for the 2024-2025 financial year, aimed at enhancing the resilience of critical road infrastructure. From this allocation, FJD 2 million has been earmarked for capital upgrades at priority sites, including sections of the South Coastal Road in Wairiki and Taveuni, as well as upgrades on Biana Road, Nabukelevu Road, and others in Sigatoka, Nadi, Ba, and Tavua.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Lynda Tabuya, who also serves as the Pacific Political Champion on Climate Finance, praised the initiative as an example of how climate funding can translate into real benefits for local communities. She affirmed her commitment to working alongside development partners and national agencies to ensure that climate finance remains accessible, adaptable, and focused on delivering meaningful improvements for the people of Fiji. This approach not only strengthens infrastructure but also supports the nation in its ongoing battle against climate change, promoting a more resilient future for all Fijians.