Transport accessibility for individuals with disabilities remains a significant challenge in Fiji, as advocates urge for policies to transition from mere commitments on paper to tangible actions on the ground. During the National Transport Infrastructure Consultative Forum, Kolinio Cagi, representing the National Council for Persons with Disabilities and the Spinal Injury Association as part of the Fiji Mobility Alliance, highlighted the ongoing barriers that transportation presents for persons with disabilities, especially wheelchair users.
Cagi emphasized the rights outlined in Article 9 regarding accessibility, pointing out that while national policies acknowledge the importance of accessible transport, their actual implementation has been sorely lacking. He expressed disappointment that despite the progress made, practical accessibility measures have yet to be fully realized.
He praised the involvement of the Maritime and Transport Authority, calling it a positive development that could lead to improved transport inclusivity. Cagi expressed hope that this initiative would yield effective solutions for enhancing accessibility for persons with disabilities. Drawing from personal experience, he recounted having to be physically carried onto vessels during sea travel in 2010, underscoring the urgency of treating disability as a fundamental rights issue rather than one of charity.
In a related effort to enhance transport infrastructure, Apisai Ketenilagi, CEO of the Fiji Roads Authority, announced plans to upgrade existing jetties to become climate-resilient facilities equipped with modern berthing and handling infrastructure. The proposal includes a total of 22 new jetties, with plans for 16 in the Eastern Division, three in the Western Division, and three in the Northern Division.
This concerted push towards creating an inclusive transport system underscores a hopeful shift toward recognizing and addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities in Fiji.
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