Bus services on the Vatukoula back road were suspended for four days due to hazardous conditions. The Lautoka General Transport company, which operates services on this route, ceased operations from Vusavusa Junction, roughly nine kilometers from Ba Town, because of the road’s poor condition.
After four days of halted services, a grader from the Public Works Department began work on the road. However, local residents voiced concerns that without enough gravel after grading, the upcoming rain could exacerbate the situation. Radhan Prasad, a nearby cane farmer, shared that he and fellow farmers were forced to transport their market produce approximately 400 meters to the junction to catch a bus. Although there were improvements allowing the bus to reach as far as Bulabula School, drivers remained apprehensive about the road’s structural integrity.
Prasad noted that heavy rainfall had led to exposed boulders beneath the road surface, prompting concerns that these conditions could damage the buses. Resident Sunil Chand pointed out that the road had been in deteriorating condition for over a year, worsened by the recent rains, ultimately leading to the suspension of bus services.
With the start of the school year approaching, Prasad expressed hope that timely upgrades to the road would be implemented, as many children rely on the bus for transportation. He mentioned that officials from the Road Transport Department had been inspecting the area, signaling potential action to address the ongoing issues.
This situation highlights the pressing need for infrastructure improvement in rural areas to ensure safe transportation access, especially for students relying on bus services. With the involvement of local authorities, there is hope that the necessary upgrades will take place soon, enhancing the overall accessibility and safety of the region’s roads.
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