Twelve passengers and a driver from Vishnu Holdings Limited had a narrow escape when their bus left the road at Buca Bay, Cakaudrove, on Tuesday afternoon. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Shonal Dutt, the company’s general manager, attributed the incident to the poor condition of the road. He stated, “It was nothing serious, and no one was injured. The bus went off the road due to poor conditions.” A replacement bus arrived shortly after, allowing the journey to continue.
Dutt expressed ongoing frustration with the Buca Bay roadway, highlighting that although the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) conducts temporary repairs, the situation quickly deteriorates again. He pointed out that saltwater intrusion from the nearby sea further deteriorates the road conditions.
Despite these challenges, Vishnu Holdings Limited is committed to continuing their service along this route. Dutt called for more effective action from the FRA and urged the government to properly maintain bus-operating routes. He raised concerns about the road levies, questioning the allocation of the funds as many roads remain in desperate need of repairs.
Dutt also requested direct dialogue with the FRA to tackle these persistent road issues. Earlier this year, the company took part in public consultations with the Land Transport Authority (LTA), yet many concerns remain unresolved. LTA’s chief executive officer, Irimaia Rokosawa, stressed the significance of collaborating with transport providers, such as bus and taxi operators, to address these challenges efficiently.
While road conditions might be challenging, the proactive approach from companies like Vishnu Holdings highlights their dedication to maintaining safe and reliable transport for the community. A collaborative effort between transport authorities, companies, and the government could pave the way for lasting improvements, fostering safer travel conditions for all passengers.
In summary, the incident at Buca Bay underscores the need for urgent attention to road maintenance and the importance of cooperation between operators and governmental bodies for the benefit of public transport services.
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