Fiji Roads Under Pressure as Vehicle Boom Spurs Policy Overhaul and EV Infrastructure Plans

Fiji’s road infrastructure is facing mounting pressure as the number of registered vehicles continues to rise, outpacing the available road space. Minister for Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, has voiced concerns over the implications of this vehicle growth, highlighting issues of congestion, safety, and the long-term sustainability of the nation’s roads.

Currently, there are approximately 240,000 vehicles navigating around 7,000 kilometers of roads across Fiji. Ro Filipe stressed the need for roads that allow for safe and free movement, warning that if this growth remains unchecked, it could place an unsustainable burden on infrastructure that was not originally designed to handle such volumes.

To address these concerns, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Department of Transport are actively revising policies geared towards managing the vehicle-to-road space ratio. “We need a framework to provide clear directions and policies on vehicle growth,” Ro Filipe explained. He further indicated that the Fiji Roads Authority and the Public Works Department are engaged in initiatives focused on improving road quality and extending existing roads.

In addition to traditional vehicle management, Ro Filipe pointed out the necessity of preparing for the advent of electric vehicles in Fiji. He acknowledged the need for updated regulations and policies to accommodate new technologies and types of vehicles. Planning for infrastructure, such as electric vehicle charging stations, is essential, and the ministry is considering who would bear the associated costs.

The Minister also emphasized the importance of ethical conduct within the LTA, addressing public complaints regarding officer behavior. “We must ensure officers conduct themselves ethically at all levels, from operations to management,” he stated, underlining the need for integrity in the functioning of transport authorities.

These measures represent a proactive approach to ensuring that Fiji’s transport infrastructure can keep up with growth trends and technological advancements, promoting a balanced and sustainable future for the nation’s roads.