Bus services on the Vatukoula back road were suspended for four days due to hazardous conditions, impacting residents relying on this transport route. Lautoka General Transport, which operated the service from Vusavusa Junction—located about nine kilometers from Ba Town—was forced to halt operations due to the poor state of the road.
After the suspension, a grader from the Public Works Department began work on the road. However, local residents expressed concerns that the lack of gravel following the grading could lead to even worse conditions if heavy rain were to occur. Radhan Prasad, a cane farmer in the area, highlighted the challenges faced by farmers who had to carry their produce approximately 400 meters to access the bus.
While some improvements allowed the bus to reach as far as Bulabula School before needing to return to Ba, the situation remained precarious. Mr. Prasad noted that heavy rains had exposed boulders beneath the roadway, raising worries among drivers about potential damage to their buses. Another resident, Sunil Chand, echoed these sentiments, stating that the road had deteriorated significantly over the past year, further exacerbated by the recent rains that led to the suspension of bus services.
The community remains hopeful, especially with the school year approaching. Mr. Prasad expressed a desire for the road to be upgraded to ensure safe transport for children traveling by bus. Officials from the Road Transport Department were reported to be inspecting the road at Bulabula, indicating that steps may be taken to address the long-standing issues affecting this vital access route.
As the community awaits necessary improvements, the collaboration of local authorities and residents is a positive aspect that could lead to sustainable solutions for this recurring problem. Improved road conditions could enhance livelihoods and ensure safe travel for students, reinforcing the community’s resilience and determination to overcome infrastructure challenges.
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