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Roads to Prosperity

How ADB and Partners Are Connecting Communities and Accelerating Economic Opportunities in Fiji

By Asian Development Bank

March 3^rd, 2022

A viable road network isn't just crucial to Fijians; it's written in the 2013 Constitution, which says it is the right of every person to have reasonable access to transportation. About half of Fiji's 900,000 people live in rural areas, which means safe and navigable roads are critical for daily necessities such as getting to and from work, seeking medical help, attending school, and joining in community activities.

Bus commuters are waiting for their bus to depart at the main bus stop in Suva.

A bus travelling along the upgraded Kings Road funded under the Third Road Upgrading (Sector) Project.

A farmer selling bananas along the Kings Road in the Province of Tailevu, an hour from the capital of Suva. Approximately 120km of the Kings Road was upgraded under the Third Road Upgrading (Sector) Project.

Students boarding a bus that passes through the improved Lodoni road under the Third Road Upgrading (Sector) Project.

Mother and her child walking along an improved road that was constructed under the Third Road Upgrading Project.

A Productive Partnership

Since 2014, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank Group, and the Government of Fiji have been working together to improve the safety and climate resilience of the country's land and maritime transport infrastructure.

Financed by the ADB (60%), the World Bank (30%), and the Government of Fiji (10%), the Transport Infrastructure Investment Sector Project (TIISP) is improving access to markets, schools, and clinics to help boost services for Fijian communities. The project is financing civil works to repair and upgrade selected roads and the redesign and feasibility study of 40 bridges and the Natovi, Nabouwalu, and Savusavu jetties.

A ferry preparing to dock at the Natovi Jetty in Viti Levu.

Vehicles passing over the Rabaraba crossing.

People walking on a rehabilitated portion of the Kings Road.

A farmer returning home along the rehabilitated Namanumanu Road in the Nakorotubu district, Viti Levu.

Supporting Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Efforts

This project also supports Fiji's efforts to reconstruct rural roads, drainage systems, crossings, and coastal infrastructure damaged by tropical cyclones. When Cyclones Yasa and Ana swept through Fiji's second-largest island Vanua Levu in December 2020 and January 2021, it severely damaged many leading service roads. Six months later, roads in west Viti Levu (Fiji's largest island), Vanua Levu, and Taveuni have been rehabilitated by the TIISP, led by the Fiji Roads Authority. With connectivity restored, Fijians can now enjoy better access to main town centers for work, school, or buying or selling goods at markets.

Ovalau Road before rehabilitation.

Ovalau Road after rehabilitation.

Rabi Coastal Road before rehabilitation.

Rabi Coastal Road after rehabilitation.

Natewa West Coast Road before rehabilitation.

Natewa West Coast Road after rehabilitation.

Linking Communities

The Rabaraba Crossing links communities in the upper highlands to the large towns of Sigatoka and Nadi. The infrastructure is designed to withstand extreme weather events and serves as an essential link for residents and farmers in the area.

The Rabaraba crossing links communities and farmers to the towns of Nadi and Sigatoka.

Benefiting People

Significant improvements have also been made to Buca Bay Road, on Vanua Levu. These upgrades benefit more than 3,000 people who commonly travel through this stretch, particularly farmers from Taveuni, Rabi, and Kioa who take their produce to the Savusavu Market.

The Savusavu farmers market is famous for fresh and locally grown fruits and vegetables.

The impact of TIISP continues to be seen in the rural areas of Korovou, Rewa, and Navua on Fiji's largest island, Viti Levu. COVID-19 has slowed road works, but the Fiji Roads Authority continues to rebuild following local protocols to keep communities safe while ensuring the roads and associated infrastructure are adequately reconstructed.

Vehicles traveling on Kings Road. This portion of the road will be rehabilitated soon.

Workers are doing road construction and repair along Queens Road.

Farmers passing through a rehabilitated portion of the Namanumanu Road in Nakorotubu.

The Rakiraki bridge in Ra province was built under the Emergency Flood Recovery Project.

© 2026 Asian Development Bank

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