Fiji is grappling with a notable surge in traffic congestion, with over 10,000 new vehicles registered in the past two years. This brings the total vehicle count to 154,000 in a country of less than a million people. The alarming trend was recently brought to light by Land Transport Authority (LTA) CEO Irimaia Rokosawa during a road safety consultation. Rokosawa highlighted the increasing congestion, particularly in the Suva-Nausori corridor and areas within the Western Division.
The spike in vehicle registrations, which has increased by seven percent, coincides with a lack of effective policies for the removal of old and unsafe vehicles from the roads. Rokosawa expressed the need for an end-of-life vehicle policy, stating, “We’re good at acquiring and maintaining vehicles, but disposal is where we fall short.” He emphasized the necessity for revamped recycling programs and the introduction of a vehicle disposal policy.
Local residents are vocal about their frustrations with the congestion and have proposed various solutions. Suva resident Harish Chandra suggested that adjusting school hours could ease traffic flow, especially noting that traffic is lighter during school holidays. He proposed shifting the starting time of schools from 8 am to 8:30 am as a potential remedy.
Additionally, commuter Kaylesh Chandra advocated for staggered work hours among local businesses, suggesting flexible schedules such as 6 am to 3 pm or 7 am to 4 pm. He believes these changes could help improve traffic congestion in a practical manner.
Concerns have also been raised about the placement of speed humps, particularly by Indar Bisun, who noted their uneven distribution on major routes like Princess Road, which can exacerbate traffic jams.
In response to the challenges posed by rising traffic levels, LTA Highway Design Manager John Luveniyali reiterated the authority’s dedication to establishing a safe and resilient transport network. He mentioned that public consultations are vital for developing short-term solutions in line with the National Development Plan 2025-2029.
While the current traffic situation may seem daunting, it highlights a growing awareness and proactive approach to traffic management in Fiji. Enhanced urban planning and community involvement, along with the implementation of the suggested solutions, could lead to a more efficient transportation system.
The government’s commitment to addressing these challenges signals a positive shift towards significant improvements in transportation infrastructure and policy, promising a more manageable urban environment for the citizens of Fiji in the near future.
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