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An estimated total of $7.6 million is the loss to infrastructure in Fiji’s northern and eastern divisions as a result of Cyclone Tomas.
Of this amount, the worst damage was in the North which amounts to $3m, $1.8m for Lomaiviti and $2.8m for the Lau group.
Works spokeswoman Sainiana Waqainabete said while they expected these costs to be met from the ministry’s coffers, they would not hesitate to request Government for more funds should the need arise.
“If there is a need to expand, we will approach Government but we’re expecting that the amount that we have is sufficient,” Waqainabete said.
She said the infrastructure that was damaged included mainly jetties in outlying islands, roads and seawalls.
According to Waqainabete, it was crucial that restoration works begin particularly because jetties would allow access to and from the islands.
She added that although the bulk of the damage was in the North, it was not as bad as expected considering the strength of Cyclone Tomas.
