The Government has decided to look elsewhere for funding to reconstruct the Lelata Bridge after encountering multiple safeguard issues with the donor partner. 

This was confirmed by the Minister of Works Transport and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Vaai when he spoke in Parliament during debate. 

In particular, the House deliberated on the Infrastructure Sector Committee Report on the Land Transport Authority (L.T.A.) annual report for 2019 up to 2021. 

Olo said the Lelata Bridge reconstruction was funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) but there have been numerous issues about the project even during the former administration. 

He said the donor partner is not flexible about matters raised, especially issues raised by families in the area near the river that are opposing the project.

Other hurdles encountered include safeguarding issues and because of this, the Minister said the Government through the Ministry of Finance has decided to look for other funds to carry out the work. 

He said the workers have spent too much time on the project but to no avail. 

The Lelata project was put out for tender in 2021 and even four months after the bids expired, no contract was awarded to carry out the work. 

Other matters raised by members on the Parliamentary Committee report into L.T.A. were in regards to drainage on the side of the road, lawn mowing contracts and airport maintenance. 

Members queried the drainage system and how it can easily erode newly constructed roads without drainage in place. 

In terms of the drainage system in Vaimea, Olo noted concerns about the safety of drainage that surrounds a primary school in the area and residence there. 

He said the problem is most of the families in the area have been established for many years but there were no government reserves to allow for expansion of the road and install drainage. 

He also pointed out that some families want compensation to use their freehold land to allow for this work while other residents refuse to surrender part of their land for the drainage system. 

Parliament debate continues on Friday.