The Labasa bypass road project is a top priority for Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who has emphasized the need for work to begin promptly. During a meeting with the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), Mr. Rabuka discussed the critical requirement for a dual road access to Labasa Town, as the existing one-way road network is insufficient for current traffic demands. He recounted an incident where fire crews encountered delays due to restricted road access, which underscored the urgency of the project. Mr. Rabuka proposed converting the old rail bridge adjacent to the main bridge into a two-way road to enhance accessibility.
The lack of progress on the bypass project has drawn criticism from various stakeholders, especially public transport providers who are increasingly frustrated by traffic congestion and delays. Sujit Sharma, general secretary of the Labasa Town Taxi Association, stressed the necessity of the bypass for improving peak-hour traffic conditions and alleviating negative impacts on businesses which rely on timely transport services.
At a public meeting held in October, FRA assets manager Amit Deo reported that the project is still in the discussion phase, noting that it is a complex venture with an estimated cost of around $30 million since the new Coalition Government took office. He indicated that the realization of the project may take considerable time, due to its intricate nature.
As dialogue continues between the town council and the Government, stakeholders are hopeful for concrete advancements on this vital infrastructure improvement. With the number of vehicles increasing and ongoing developments in Labasa, the bypass road is critical for reducing congestion and facilitating the town’s growth.
As the discussions progress, there is a sense of optimism that this project, once underway, will significantly benefit Labasa’s transport system and contribute to the area’s overall development.
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