Ketan Lal, an Opposition Member of Parliament, has expressed serious concerns regarding the poor condition of the road adjacent to Savusavu Airport. Lal, a local resident, noted that this vital roadway has been downgraded from tar-sealed to gravel, leading to an increase in accidents and excessive dust affecting both drivers and nearby residents.
He stated that the deteriorating road conditions reflect neglect in infrastructure and raise concerns about the Coalition Government’s priorities and financial management. Lal emphasized that Savusavu is a key tourism destination that attracts visitors seeking its beauty, and that the airport is one of only two airstrips facilitating air travel to the island. He believes the state of the road is not just a local matter, but an issue of national significance.
“A smooth, safe, and reliable road is crucial to support our tourism industry, which is vital for our economy and provides livelihoods for many Fijians,” Lal remarked. He pointed out that the shift to a gravel road has led to serious repercussions, with rising accidents endangering public safety and dust from vehicles posing health risks to local residents.
“This situation is more than an inconvenience; it represents a significant failure to ensure safe and reliable infrastructure, which is a fundamental duty of any government,” he asserted.
Lal has called for answers from the Fiji Roads Authority regarding this decision and questioned whether there are insufficient funds for proper road maintenance. He remarked, “The money spent by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on a lavish dinner could have been used to reseal this crucial road, offering real benefits to the community instead of mere extravagance.”
“This scenario exemplifies misguided priorities and a lack of accountability. The government’s responsibility is to serve the people by ensuring their safety and well-being. Neglecting essential infrastructure like roads indicates a disregard for these obligations,” he added.
Lal urged the government to promptly address the situation by allocating the necessary funds to the Fiji Roads Authority for the resealing of the road beside Savusavu Airport. He stressed that resolving this issue is not just about repairing a road, but also about restoring the community’s faith in leadership and showing a commitment to the welfare of all Fijians.