The Sigatoka Valley Road is a core FRUPIV sub-project. Upgrading will promote social and economic development and reduce the poverty and isolation of disadvantaged groups. The project will lower travel costs, reduce journey times and contribute to commercial, employment and income generation activities. The project will be financed under an ADB loan with counterpart funding from the Government of Fiji. 3. This Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan has been prepared on the basis of the following legal and policy requirements: (i) the State Acquisition of Lands Act (SALA) of Fiji (Chapter 135 of Laws of Fiji); (ii) the ADB Operations Manuals: Bank Policies: Involuntary Resettlement (F2/BP) and Operational Procedures: Involuntary Resettlement (F2/OP) and (iii) the ADB Handbook on Resettlement: A Guide to Good Practice; and (iv) the Resettlement. The study section of the road commences at the end of the sealed section at chainage 6.38 km from its junction with Queen’s Road. It ends at Narata Hill where a sealed section recommences at the bottom of the hill at chainage 21.4 km. The length of the section is 15.0 km – reduced to 14.7 km when upgraded. From Sigatoka to Nacocelevu the existing road has already been upgraded and sealed. The road follows the Sigatoka River Valley across predominantly flat terrain, except where ridges from adjacent hills extend to meet the river itself. In these areas the existing road is benched into the ridge. The road lies in the dry zone of Viti Levu on the edge of the cane growing area and is in the south-west of the island. Mean annual rainfall is 1,900mm and it is an important area for market garden produce. The road provides access to an important farming community in a freehold Indo-Fijian Settlement, Bilalevu. The residents grow market vegetables and fruit for a large part of Viti Levu. The Sigatoka Valley is fertile and extensively cultivated with a large variety of crops and serves as the hinterland for the towns and cities around including the capital, Suva – the area is commonly referred to as the “salad bowl”.