Twelve passengers, along with the driver of a bus belonging to Vishnu Holdings Limited, had a fortunate escape without any injuries when the vehicle veered off the road at Buca Bay, Cakaudrove, on Tuesday afternoon. Shonal Dutt, the company’s general manager, confirmed the incident and attributed it to the poor condition of the roadway.
“This was not a serious incident, and thankfully, no one was hurt. The bus went off-road due to the deteriorating conditions,” stated Mr. Dutt. He noted that a replacement bus was dispatched to continue their journey just 30 minutes later.
Mr. Dutt expressed ongoing concerns regarding the maintenance of the Buca Bay road, mentioning that while the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) performs temporary repairs, the issues quickly resurface. Additionally, he pointed out that saltwater intrusion from the nearby sea further contributes to the road’s deterioration.
Despite these ongoing challenges, Vishnu Holdings Limited remains committed to servicing the route. Mr. Dutt urged the FRA to take more proactive measures to address the deteriorating road conditions, emphasizing the need for government support to ensure bus routes are properly maintained. “We contribute to road levies, but it’s difficult to see the benefits when so many roads remain in urgent need of repair,” he remarked.
He emphasized the necessity for direct dialogue with the FRA to tackle these issues effectively. Although the company participated in public consultations with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) earlier this year, many of their concerns have yet to be adequately addressed.
Irimaia Rokosawa, the CEO of LTA, recently underscored the importance of collaboration with transport providers, including bus and taxi operators, to overcome these challenges.
This incident brings attention to the critical need for infrastructure improvement, which could significantly enhance passenger safety and overall transportation efficiency. As authorities and transport operators engage more effectively, there is hope that the condition of the roads will improve, leading to safer travel for everyone.
Overall, this situation highlights the importance of addressing infrastructure issues and could serve as a catalyst for positive change in road maintenance practices in the region.
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