A bus operated by Vishnu Holdings Limited veered off the road at Buca Bay, Cakaudrove, on Tuesday afternoon, but fortunately, all twelve passengers and the driver were unharmed. Shonal Dutt, the general manager of the company, reported that the incident was primarily attributed to the poor condition of the road.
Dutt reassured that no serious injuries occurred and stated that a replacement bus arrived within 30 minutes to transport passengers onward. He stressed that the ongoing issues with the poorly maintained roads in Buca Bay remain a significant challenge for the company. The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) conducts temporary repairs, but the road conditions quickly deteriorate again, compounded by saltwater intrusion from the nearby sea.
Despite these difficulties, Vishnu Holdings remains committed to servicing the route. Dutt emphasized the need for the FRA to take more decisive action and for the government to ensure regular maintenance of bus routes. He pointed out that while the company pays road levies, the lack of visible improvement to road conditions is disheartening, as numerous routes are in urgent need of repair.
Dutt also called for more direct engagement with the FRA to discuss these persistent issues. Earlier this year, the company participated in public consultations with the Land Transport Authority (LTA), but many concerns continue to go unresolved. LTA CEO Irimaia Rokosawa highlighted the need to engage with transport providers, including bus and taxi operators, to effectively tackle these challenges.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of infrastructure maintenance for the safety and efficiency of public transport systems. The proactive call for dialogue between transport providers and authorities reflects a hopeful outlook for improved road conditions in the future. With collaborative efforts, it is possible to enhance safety and accessibility for everyone relying on these vital transport routes.
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