A bus from Vishnu Holdings Limited, carrying twelve passengers and the driver, safely veered off the road at Buca Bay, Cakaudrove, on Tuesday afternoon. Luckily, no one was injured during the incident. Shonal Dutt, the company’s general manager, attributed the mishap to the road’s poor condition, stating that this is an ongoing problem in the area.
Mr. Dutt reassured that the situation was not serious and shared that a replacement bus arrived within 30 minutes to continue transporting passengers on their journey. He mentioned that the company has been facing continuous difficulties with the maintenance of the road, despite the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) attempting temporary repairs. Unfortunately, these repairs are not long-lasting.
Additionally, Mr. Dutt pointed out that saltwater intrusion from the nearby sea further exacerbates the road’s deterioration. Nevertheless, Vishnu Holdings remains dedicated to servicing the route and has urged the FRA to take decisive actions for proper maintenance. He expressed concern about the use of road levies paid by the company, questioning where the funds are directed as many roads continue to be in poor condition.
Mr. Dutt has requested more direct discussions with the FRA to effectively tackle these ongoing issues. Earlier discussions with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) resulted in many unresolved concerns, highlighting the need for better communication between transport providers and regulatory bodies. LTA CEO Irimaia Rokosawa has emphasized the importance of engaging with transport operators to address such challenges effectively.
This incident serves as a reminder of the critical need for infrastructure improvements and governmental accountability regarding road maintenance. With continued advocacy and collaboration, there is hope for positive changes that will enhance transportation safety and efficiency in the region.
Leave a comment