Road upgrade initiatives currently underway in various regions of Fiji are being funded through climate financing obtained via the Duavata Partnership between the Fijian and New Zealand governments. This partnership aims to bolster climate resilience across the nation.
The project stems from the Country Flexible Finance Partnership Arrangement established in November 2023, which provided Fiji with FJD 27.6 million in budget support dedicated to climate-related initiatives. These efforts are aligned with Fiji’s Climate Change Act, addressing the urgent need to counter the growing impacts of climate change.
The funding received in January 2024 is being channeled through the national budget and dispersed among various ministries and agencies tasked with developing climate-resilient infrastructure and providing essential services nationwide. Over the next three financial years, this program has already backed five key climate projects for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, with plans for five additional projects in 2024-2025, and 13 more identified for 2025-2026.
In line with this funding initiative, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change worked with the Ministry of Finance to allocate FJD 3.5 million to the Fiji Roads Authority for the 2024-2025 financial year, specifically aimed at enhancing the resilience of crucial road infrastructure. Among these allocations, FJD 2 million has been set aside for capital upgrades at priority locations, including segments of the South Coastal Road in Wairiki and Taveuni, as well as improvements on Biana Road, Nabukelevu Road, and others in Sigatoka, Nadi, Ba, and Tavua.
Lynda Tabuya, Minister for Environment and Climate Change and the Pacific Political Champion on Climate Finance, commended the initiative as a demonstration of how climate funding can yield tangible benefits for local communities. She expressed her dedication to collaborating with development partners and national agencies to ensure that climate financing remains accessible and focused on delivering significant improvements for the people of Fiji. This proactive strategy not only enhances infrastructure but also supports the nation in its ongoing fight against climate change, fostering a more resilient future for all Fijians.