Opposition Demands Minister's Resignation Following Vuniyasi Bridge Collapse

Opposition Member Ketan Lal has called for the immediate resignation or removal of Ro Filipe Tuisawau, the Minister for Infrastructure, after the collapse of the Vuniyasi Bridge in Nadi on Monday.

Lal has criticized the government for its failure to prioritize public safety, claiming that the incident, which nearly claimed the lives of four individuals, highlights a pattern of neglect and inefficiency in managing the nation's infrastructure.

Lal has pointed out that both the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) and the Public Works Department have been in disarray for the past two years, accusing the government of not taking meaningful action despite receiving large budgets for infrastructure maintenance.

He questioned how many more lives need to be endangered before the government takes responsibility.

He also criticized Minister Tuisawau for his apparent focus on photo opportunities, like wearing reflective vests, rather than addressing the infrastructure issues.

Lal further urged Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to reshuffle the Cabinet, insisting that the Ministry of Infrastructure needs more competent leadership.

In response to the bridge collapse, the FRA has confirmed that they are aware of the incident and have launched a preliminary investigation.

They have promised a detailed update once the investigation is complete.

The government has not yet issued a response to Lal's call for the Minister’s removal.

The incident has further raised concerns about the deteriorating state of Fiji’s bridges, roads, and utilities, with many calling for urgent reforms to avoid further infrastructure failures.