Bus Drama at Buca Bay: Passengers Unscathed Amid Road Crisis

A bus carrying twelve passengers from Vishnu Holdings Limited safely veered off the road at Buca Bay, Cakaudrove, on Tuesday afternoon without causing any injuries to the passengers or the driver. The general manager of the company, Shonal Dutt, attributed the incident to the poor conditions of the road.

Mr. Dutt assured that the occurrence was not serious and confirmed that a replacement bus was able to arrive within 30 minutes to continue the journey. He expressed ongoing concerns about the state of the Buca Bay road, as it has been poorly maintained. Despite temporary repairs by the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), the road’s condition continues to decline rapidly. Additionally, he noted that saltwater intrusion from the nearby sea worsens the road conditions.

In light of these challenges, Vishnu Holdings Limited remains committed to servicing the route. Mr. Dutt emphasized the necessity for the FRA to take significant measures and called on the government to ensure that bus-operating routes receive proper maintenance. He mentioned the issue of road levies collected but expressed frustration over the evident lack of improvements in road conditions.

Mr. Dutt also urged for more direct consultations with the FRA to resolve these issues effectively. While the company participated in public forums with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) earlier this year, many concerns regarding road maintenance and safety have yet to be addressed. LTA CEO, Irimaia Rokosawa, recently highlighted the importance of collaboration with transport providers to tackle these pressing challenges.

This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing infrastructure issues that public transport systems face in Fiji. However, it also highlights the dedication of service providers like Vishnu Holdings Limited, who continue to prioritize passenger safety and advocate for improved road conditions. With continued dialogue between transport providers and governmental agencies, there is hope for a more effective approach in addressing these infrastructure challenges in the future.