The escalating number of vehicles on Fiji’s roads is significantly contributing to worsening traffic congestion, prompting police to raise concerns about the strain on road infrastructure. Kasiano Vusonilawe, Police Chief of Operations, highlighted the ongoing dilemma, noting that despite the deployment of traffic officers during peak hours to help manage vehicle flow, the situation is exacerbated by the increasing number of vehicles entering use each month.
Vusonilawe explained that while the road network has remained relatively unchanged, vehicle ownership continues to rise, leading to a critical challenge for traffic management, especially during commuting hours. With a steady increase in vehicle purchases, the strain on existing infrastructure becomes more pronounced. “But the purchase of vehicles increases by month by month,” he remarked, underscoring the persistent growth in vehicle numbers.
He emphasized that the solution to the congestion crisis cannot rely solely on the efforts of traffic officers, as they face the ongoing reality of rising vehicular numbers each year. In conjunction with these concerns, Irimaia Rokosawa, Chief Executive of the Land Transport Authority, expressed a need for greater independence in order to enhance transport services in Fiji. He urged stakeholders to consider models used by similar organizations in New Zealand and Australia, advocating for better reinvestment and service standards to meet public expectations.
Despite the challenges on the road, Vusonilawe reassured that there are adequate officers available to manage traffic operations. However, he noted that the police force must also strategize their deployment to balance responsibilities across the nation’s various policing needs. As Fiji grapples with traffic issues, the dialogue about enhancing road infrastructure and services remains crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of its transport systems moving forward.
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