Bus Services Halted: A Look at Vatukoula’s Rough Roads

Bus services along the Vatukoula back road were suspended for four days due to hazardous road conditions. The disruption affected Lautoka General Transport, which serviced the route from Vusavusa Junction—approximately nine kilometers from Ba Town—while ongoing road issues persisted.

After the bus services halted, a grader from the Public Works Department began work on improving the road. However, local residents expressed concern that the grading left the road without sufficient gravel, potentially worsening conditions with further rainfall. Radhan Prasad, a local cane farmer, shared that he and fellow farmers had been carrying their market produce approximately 400 meters to the junction to catch the bus, highlighting the inconvenience the road conditions created.

Following some upgrades, the bus was able to resume service as far as Bulabula School before having to return to Ba. Residents reported that heavy rains had caused boulders to become exposed, leading to worries from drivers about potential damage to their vehicles. Sunil Chand, another local resident, noted that the road has been in disrepair for over a year, and its condition had deteriorated further with the recent rains.

As the school year approaches, Mr. Prasad expressed hope for significant road improvements, as many children rely on the bus for transportation to school. Road Transport Department officials were seen inspecting the situation at Bulabula, indicating that steps may be taken to address the ongoing challenges.

This situation underscores the critical need for continued investment in infrastructure to ensure safe and reliable transportation, particularly in rural areas. The involvement of government officials suggests a recognition of the issue and a commitment to implementing solutions that benefit the community.

In summary, the article highlights the suspension of bus services due to poor road conditions, the impact on local residents, and hopeful signs of forthcoming improvements. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining public infrastructure for the well-being of the community.