Millions of dollars spent on road construction in Fiji over the last 10 to 15 years may have been poured down the drain.
This after revelations today that the Public Works Department and private contractors who have constructed our roads have not consulted the Geo-technology Unit at the Department of Lands and Mineral Resources before the roads were built which has led to the roads deteriorating rapidly and some being washed away during the rainy season.
The Geo-tech Unit is responsible to carry out tests and studies to ensure that the soil or rock beneath the ground surface can support loads and conditions placed on it and underground water flow.
The Geo-tech services also include sub-surface field investigations, geologic site characterization, laboratory testing of soil and rock, structure foundation and retaining wall designs, soil cut and field stability for example rock fall, landslides and debris flow. Their task also includes long term site monitoring and evaluating the material sources for construction of roads.
Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Netani Sukanaivalu told Fijivillage news that due to non compliance in consulting the Geo-tech Unit, a number of roads in Fiji is now falling apart.
Sukanaivalu gave the Savusavu/Labasa highway as an example saying it needs constant upgrading and portions are often washed away during the rainy season and costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair as the proper tests were not done to construct this road.
He said parts of the Kings Highway construction was also not done with the approval of the Geotech Unit and is now prone to flooding, being washed away and landslides.
A special committee has now been formed to monitor all future road construction in Fiji.
Improper consultations before road construction-Minister
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