A bus operated by Vishnu Holdings Limited veered off the road at Buca Bay, Cakaudrove on Tuesday afternoon, but fortunately, both the twelve passengers and the driver emerged unscathed. Shonal Dutt, the general manager of the company, confirmed that the incident was due to the poor condition of the road.
Mr. Dutt remarked, “It was nothing serious, and no one was injured. The bus went off the road due to poor conditions.” He also noted that a replacement bus arrived within 30 minutes to continue transporting passengers.
Ongoing issues with the maintenance of the Buca Bay road have been a concern for the company. Dutt stated that although the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) conducts temporary repairs, the road’s condition quickly deteriorates. Additionally, he mentioned that saltwater intrusion from the nearby sea worsens the situation.
Despite these obstacles, Vishnu Holdings remains committed to servicing the route. Mr. Dutt urged the FRA to take more decisive action and called on the government to ensure that routes utilized by buses are adequately maintained. He expressed frustration at the perception that road levy payments do not translate into necessary repairs for many roads in dire need.
To find a solution, he requested direct discussions with the FRA regarding these persistent issues. Earlier this year, the company participated in public consultations with the Land Transport Authority (LTA), but many of their concerns have not yet been addressed. Irimaia Rokosawa, the CEO of LTA, underscored the significance of collaborating with transport providers, including bus and taxi operators, to effectively tackle these challenges.
While the incident highlights ongoing infrastructure issues, it also demonstrates the resilience of the transport service and the commitment to keeping the community connected. With continued advocacy and collaboration, there is hope for improved road conditions in the future.
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