A bus operated by Vishnu Holdings Limited, carrying twelve passengers and the driver, narrowly avoided harm when it veered off the road at Buca Bay, Cakaudrove, on Tuesday afternoon. Shonal Dutt, the company’s general manager, confirmed that the incident was not serious and attributed the bus’s off-road situation to the poor condition of the road.
The company quickly arranged for a replacement bus to ensure the continuation of the route, arriving just 30 minutes later. Dutt mentioned that the deteriorating road conditions in Buca Bay have become a persistent issue, as temporary repairs conducted by the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) often fail to hold up. Furthermore, saltwater intrusion from the nearby sea has worsened the situation.
In light of these challenges, Vishnu Holdings Limited remains committed to servicing the route. Dutt emphasized the urgent need for the FRA to take significant action and called on the government to ensure that bus-operating routes are appropriately maintained. He expressed frustration over road levies that do not seem to reflect in the maintenance of the roads, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability.
Dutt appealed for direct consultations with the FRA to address these ongoing road issues effectively. Although the company participated in public discussions with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) earlier this year, many of their concerns remain inadequately addressed. LTA CEO Irimaia Rokosawa reiterated the importance of engaging with transport providers, including bus and taxi operators, to tackle these systemic challenges.
Overall, while the incident was unsettling, it serves as a reminder of the critical need for infrastructure improvement in the region. With the commitment of local transport authorities and continuous dialogue, there is hope for a brighter and safer transport future in the area.
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