Twelve passengers along with the driver of a Vishnu Holdings Limited bus had a fortunate escape when their vehicle veered off the road at Buca Bay, Cakaudrove, on Tuesday afternoon. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Shonal Dutt, the general manager of the company, attributed the incident to the poor condition of the road, stating that it was not a serious situation.
According to Mr. Dutt, a replacement bus was promptly dispatched and arrived within 30 minutes to continue the route. He expressed concerns about the ongoing challenges presented by the poorly maintained roadways in Buca Bay. Although the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) has been conducting temporary repairs, the road conditions quickly deteriorate again, he noted.
Mr. Dutt also mentioned that saltwater intrusion from the nearby sea has been a contributing factor to the road’s poor state. Despite these conditions, Vishnu Holdings Limited remains committed to servicing the route, emphasizing the need for the FRA to take decisive action. He called upon the government to ensure that routes for bus operations are adequately maintained, raising concerns about the allocation of road levies given the evident need for repairs.
Moreover, Mr. Dutt urged for direct consultations with the FRA to tackle these persistent issues. Although the company had engaged in public consultations with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) earlier this year, many of their concerns remain unresolved. LTA CEO Irimaia Rokosawa has highlighted the importance of collaborating with transport providers, such as bus and taxi operators, to effectively address these ongoing challenges.
In summary, while passengers were unharmed in the recent incident, the underlying issue of road maintenance continues to pose significant risks. It’s crucial for authorities to respond effectively to ensure safety and reliability in transport services.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of infrastructure upkeep and how it directly affects public safety. With cooperative efforts from the government and transport authorities, there is hope that necessary improvements will be made to create safer travel conditions for all.
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