Twelve passengers and the driver on a Vishnu Holdings Limited bus emerged unscathed after the vehicle veered off the road at Buca Bay, Cakaudrove, on Tuesday afternoon. Shonal Dutt, the company’s general manager, confirmed that the incident was a consequence of the poor road conditions in the area.
“It was nothing serious, and no one was injured. The bus went off the road due to poor conditions,” he remarked. A replacement bus arrived within 30 minutes to ensure that passengers could continue their journey.
Mr. Dutt expressed concerns over the road maintenance at Buca Bay, noting that while the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) attempts temporary repairs, the situation quickly deteriorates again. He pointed out that saltwater intrusion from the nearby sea worsens the road’s condition.
Despite these persistent challenges, Vishnu Holdings Limited continues to service the route, underscoring their commitment to providing transportation. Mr. Dutt has called for more decisive action from the FRA and stressed the need for the government to ensure proper maintenance of essential bus routes. He also highlighted the discrepancies related to the road levies paid by the company, questioning their effective allocation toward much-needed repairs.
While there have been initiatives for public consultations with the Land Transport Authority (LTA), many concerns remain unaddressed. LTA chief executive officer, Irimaia Rokosawa, has recently highlighted the necessity of engaging with transport providers to collaboratively find solutions to these challenges.
This incident underscores the vital need for improved infrastructure in Fiji, as the community relies on safe and reliable transportation. With ongoing dialogue between transport providers and authorities, there is hope for the future of road maintenance and safety in the region.
Overall, improving road conditions can lead to greater safety for passengers and enhance the travel experience in these areas, fostering a more resilient transportation network.
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