Public Works Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau has expressed his dissatisfaction with the slow progress of infrastructure upgrades in Fiji’s maritime regions. During a conversation with The Fiji Times, he emphasized the ministry’s intent to revitalize depots on the islands to facilitate regular infrastructure maintenance. His concerns come amid reports of severely deteriorated roads on Rotuma, which have put commuters’ safety at risk and led truck operators to suspend their services, impacting students’ ability to attend school.
Ro Tuisawau confirmed that a team, equipped with the necessary tools, was dispatched from Suva to address the road conditions on Rotuma. He stated, “I’m not happy with some of the progress, and I’ve already expressed that to them.” The minister has engaged with the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) board and senior management, urging them to improve service delivery in terms of efficiency and effectiveness, particularly regarding infrastructure maintenance.
Dr. John Fatiaki, an advisor to the Council of Rotuma, previously pointed out that the roads have suffered from a lack of proper maintenance over the years, which has now posed significant obstacles for students who rely on transportation to the island’s only secondary school. The combination of poor infrastructure and recent weather events has exacerbated the situation, highlighting the urgent need for continual maintenance and repairs.
This ongoing struggle with infrastructure underscores the critical importance of effective government oversight and resource allocation. As the ministry undertakes these repairs and improvements, there remains hope that better infrastructure conditions will soon allow students to resume their education and enhance the overall safety and accessibility of essential services for the islands’ residents. The government’s prompt response indicates a commitment to addressing the situation and restoring functionality to vital transport routes, ultimately improving the quality of life for those affected.
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