Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says too often Fijians have had to overcome challenges born from mistakes from previous governments.

While opening the Stinson Parade and Vatuwaqa bridges today, Bainimarama said people are facing the consequences of taking shortcuts when it comes to development.

He says they will not pick up the pieces of mistakes year after year and have chosen a different route.

“So often we had to overcome challenged born from mistakes from past governments. Obstacles that were placed in our path by the poor planning, corruption and years of neglect under past leadership in this country. We are choosing to put the money and the time and right now to build infrastructure that withstand severe weather and other climate related impacts that can meet the needs of our growing economy and that will support everything our nation will achieve in the years to come.”

Bainimarama adds the opening of the two bridges is a victory for every Fijian.

“It is a victory for our taxis and bus drivers who can work throughout the Suva, Nausori and Lami corridor without being held down in endless hours of traffic. Today marks the victory of Fiji and we can mark these victories because our economy has done so well.”

Both the bridges cost more than $30 million and plans are in place to replace other old bridges.