MANILA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Thursday it has approved a project of 199.5 million U.S. dollars that will replace critical bridges on Fiji's main island to improve transport connectivity.
The project was funded by a 120-million-dollar ADB concessional loan and a 14.5-million-dollar grant financed by the Asian Development Fund 13 Thematic Pool under its disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation strategic area. The Fiji government was providing 15 million dollars in counterpart financing. The project was proposed to be jointly co-financed by the World Bank with a 50-million-dollar loan.
According to the ADB, Fiji's transport infrastructure, especially roads and bridges, faces the brunt of impacts from disasters and climate change. As a result, the transport sector requires significant investment to build the country's resilience.
Four main bridges will be constructed with adequate space for sidewalks and road safety elements, the Manila-based bank said. ■
