The Labasa bypass road project has been reaffirmed as a major priority by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who emphasized the urgent need for its commencement. Discussions with the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) highlighted the necessity of creating dual road access to and from Labasa Town, as the existing one-way road network struggles to manage the growing traffic flow. Mr. Rabuka recounted an incident where firefighters faced delays due to inadequate road access during a fire in Labasa Town and proposed converting the old rail bridge near the main bridge into a two-way road network.
The stagnant progress on the bypass project has raised concerns among various stakeholders, especially public transport providers who are increasingly frustrated with traffic congestion and delays. Labasa Town Taxi Association’s general secretary, Sujit Sharma, stressed the pressing need for the bypass, noting that the excessive number of vehicles during peak hours exacerbates traffic issues, impacting taxi services and local businesses significantly.
In a public consultation held last October, Amit Deo, FRA’s assets manager, indicated that the project is currently still in the management discussion phase. He stated that the bypass road is a complex project with an estimated cost of $30 million since the Coalition Government took office, underlining the fact that its realization will require considerable time and effort.
As dialogue continues between the town council and government officials, stakeholders remain hopeful for tangible developments. Given the rising vehicle numbers and ongoing urban growth in Labasa, the bypass road is increasingly seen as crucial for alleviating congestion and supporting economic development in the region.
In summary, the Labasa bypass road project represents both a significant infrastructure challenge and an opportunity for improvement in transportation and local business operations. The ongoing discussions signal a commitment to address these challenges, and with concerted efforts, there is potential for positive advancements that could benefit the community in the near future.
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