THE bridge that collapsed in Taveuni this week was in the Fiji Roads Authority's 'list of bridges' that needed repairing and maintenance around the country.
FRA change manager Mark Rudge confirmed the bridge was identified as one that needed repairs and maintenance which is being attended to.
He said the bridge was open again yesterday for operations to light goods vehicles only.
"The bridge has been identified as in need of repair and we are working through it, there are many bridges around the country that needs immediate repair and we are developing a program for the maintenance of these bridges," he said.
The Nalele Bridge collapsed on Tuesday afternoon, flipping a 10-wheeler truck over while crossing the bridge. Taveuni residents have blamed the authority for not maintaining the bridge well.
Taveuni islander Champak Lal said the bridge had collapsed earlier and alleged that it wasn't repaired to the required standard.
"It is sad since the bridge is the only link from the north to south side of the island and vice versa," he said.
Mr Lal said the bridge should be given the best maintenance because if it collapses again, public transportation, businesses, hoteliers and daily schedules of people would be affected including school students.
Taveuni residents have also shown their concern over alleged theft of goods from the vehicle as it lay on its side in the river.
They also claimed that police officers stood by and did nothing as people helped themselves to food stock.
Meanwhile, police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro denied the allegation saying that the officers watched every movement of those present in the area ensuring that nothing was removed from the truck by members of the public.