The government has finalized an $80 million loan with senior executives from the Exim Bank of Malaysia who are currently in the country.

Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said this new relationship between Fiji and Malaysia is expected to expand in future as further funding and expertise in various infrastructure projects are undertaken by Government.

He said among priorities, Government will be investing in upgrading road and other infrastructure that have been neglected over the years.

Bainimarama further explained that the road rehabilitation project is a major shift in the manner in which Government is tackling the rehabilitation, maintenance and construction of roads in Fiji.

It combines a finance partner, Government and private business working together within a set budget and established road upgrade programme criteria.

With this method, it is expected that budget blowouts of the past, scope creep, and extended construction periods will be better managed and eliminated.

Bainimarama said that the funds will be used to rehabilitate sealed roads on the Kings and Queen's road between Suva and Rakiraki over the next two years.

The Department of National Roads in conjunction with the Central Coordinating Agency for Roads was working on finalizing the works contract with a Malaysian road contractor.