Residents in Ba have expressed concern that, despite recent pothole repairs, transport and health services continue to fail the community. Businessman Dinesh Prakash Chand noted that the potholes were only addressed following the announcement of the Prime Minister’s visit, and he highlighted the daily struggles faced by around 3,500 commuters who rely on roughly 50 vans operating in Bar Town. Chand criticized the lack of public amenities such as toilets and proper water taps near taxi stands, making the transport experience even more difficult for residents.
Chand mentioned that his previous complaints to the town council fell on deaf ears. “I have raised this concern earlier with two meetings that have been held at the town council hall, but I don’t know where my concerns have gone… Thank you for the Prime Minister’s visit today, but I want to share how we can solve these issues,” he remarked.
Infrastructure Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau acknowledged that road maintenance is ongoing but pointed out that the responsibility for public conveniences lies with the Town Council and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA). He confirmed that discussions were underway with the Land Transport Authority to develop new minibus stands equipped with essential amenities.
Representatives from the FRA explained that public conveniences cannot be installed on road reserves and that the council is working to relocate stands to approved areas. Chand reiterated the need for more urgent action, emphasizing that the delays continue to inconvenience commuters daily.
In addition to transport issues, health services in Ba are also reportedly under strain. Acting Sub-Divisional Medical Officer Dr. Anushil Chand mentioned that plans are in discussion to keep the Ba Health Center operational on weekends and public holidays—a necessary adjustment since the General Outpatient Department services have been limited due to constraints from ASPEN Medical. However, this plan has not yet been finalized.
Residents expressed that continued delays in both transportation and health services are adversely affecting their daily lives and have called for timely government intervention to resolve these pressing issues in Ba. The collective concerns highlight an ongoing need for infrastructure and service improvements to better meet the community’s needs.
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