Bus Crash Averted: Call for Road Repairs After Near-Miss in Fiji

A Vishnu Holdings Limited bus, carrying twelve passengers and the driver, narrowly avoided injury after it veered off the road at Buca Bay, Cakaudrove, on Tuesday afternoon. General Manager Shonal Dutt reported that the incident was attributed to the poor condition of the road, stressing that everyone on board escaped without harm.

Mr. Dutt mentioned that a replacement bus arrived promptly within 30 minutes to continue the journey. He expressed concerns over the consistently deteriorating road conditions at Buca Bay, noting that while temporary repairs have been made by the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), the improvements are short-lived.

Additionally, he pointed out that saltwater intrusion from the nearby ocean contributes to the road’s poor state. Despite these ongoing struggles, Vishnu Holdings continues to provide services on this route. Mr. Dutt urged the FRA to take firm action and called on the Government to ensure proper maintenance of bus-operating routes, highlighting that the road levies paid by the company do not seem to result in visible improvements.

Furthermore, Mr. Dutt called for direct discussions with the FRA to tackle these pressing issues. Although Vishnu Holdings participated in public consultations with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) earlier this year, many of their concerns remain unanswered. LTA’s Chief Executive Officer, Irimaia Rokosawa, reiterated the need for better engagement with transportation providers, including bus and taxi operators, to effectively address these ongoing challenges.

In a positive light, this incident has highlighted the willingness of the transportation sector to engage in dialogue with authorities to seek solutions for better road conditions, which is crucial for the safety and reliability of public transport.

Summary: A bus from Vishnu Holdings Limited went off the road at Buca Bay due to poor road conditions, but all aboard were unharmed. General Manager Shonal Dutt expressed the need for better maintenance and direct discussions with the Fiji Roads Authority to improve safety for transport providers and passengers alike.