CONTINUOUS rainfall and wet weather conditions will not adversely affect road rehabilitation and upgrade programs in the Western Division, according to Fiji Roads Authority CEO Neil Cook.
"This current spate of wet weather should not adversely affect our 2013 upgrade program because most of that work is scheduled to commence towards the end of March or in April," he said.
"The major upgrade program is tailored to suit the prevailing weather conditions as far as that is possible."
Mr Cook said the Western Division maintenance contractor, Higgins, was currently focused on ensuring thoroughfares are accessible once floodwaters recede. "Higgins is focusing on keeping roads open where this is possible and standing by to reinstate damaged roads once the waters recede.
"Keeping the roads open, especially during an emergency weather event, is a 24-hour operation.
"The maintenance contractor is very experienced in managing this type of 'round-the-clock' operation and will deploy their staff and sub-contractors to best effect."
Mr Cook said the wet weather was making it difficult for normal maintenance work to be conducted and keeping roads open in some areas was difficult because low-level bridges and Irish crossings were currently under water.