Fiji’s Traffic Troubles: Will Smart Solutions Ever Arrive?

Five years after the introduction of plans for a smart traffic light system, Fiji still lacks the necessary infrastructure to manage traffic more efficiently. The Fiji Roads Authority has yet to implement the promised upgrades, including the establishment of a centralized command center for traffic management.

LTA CEO Irimaia Rokosawa emphasized the importance of this project for alleviating traffic congestion and modernizing the transport network. He noted that critical software required for the operation of the smart traffic lights had not been procured as of last year. Rokosawa mentioned the challenges faced, emphasizing that reliance on manpower alone to manage traffic at major junctions, especially in the absence of police officers, contributes to traffic jams.

Despite receiving a substantial budget allocation of $387.7 million for 2025-2026, it is uncertain whether the smart traffic system will be prioritized. In the meantime, traffic officers continue to handle rush hour congestion, managing urban traffic in a traditional manner.

This ongoing issue has broader implications, similar to concerns raised by the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) regarding the effects of traffic congestion on business productivity and tourism. FHTA’s CEO, Fantasha Lockington, highlighted that inefficiencies in traffic systems elevate costs and affect service quality during peak hours along crucial routes, like the Suva-Nausori corridor.

In light of these challenges, both residents and officials express hope that proactive measures, such as enhanced traffic management systems and urban planning strategies, will emerge. The conversations are encouraging a collaborative approach among stakeholders, indicating a community-driven pathway towards improved traffic solutions.

As the situation currently stands, while frustrations surrounding traffic management remain high, the recognition of these challenges suggests an opportunity for future improvements that could enhance connectivity and quality of life for all Fijians.