Labasa retailers are expressing frustration with the proposed bypass road plans that would route through the town, citing a lack of proper consultation as a major concern. President of the Labasa Chamber of Commerce, Vinesh Dayal, responded to the recent closure of the FSC tramline route, which has historically served as a car park for decades.
Dayal pointed out that the closure has led to a shortfall of around 300 parking spaces, adversely affecting retailers, employees, visitors, and customers in Labasa. He articulated, “FSC has actually deprived all the stakeholders of at least 300 car parks… the congestion we can see in town is a direct result of that decision made without consultation.”
Moreover, Dayal reiterated the need for further dialogue on the bypass plans, noting that while they aim to utilize the existing tramline route, more consultations are essential. Numerous complaints have also reached the Labasa Town Council, prompting an upcoming meeting involving key stakeholders including the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC), Commissioner North, and the Divisional Police Commander North.
In an earlier statement, Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh acknowledged the proposed plans to restrict the area currently used for parking, emphasizing the importance of providing businesses with advance notice to make alternative arrangements as the bypass project progresses. The Minister’s comments reflect a broader concern about traffic and access management in the area.
While Labasa faces significant challenges with parking and traffic congestion, the upcoming discussions provide an opportunity for stakeholders to address these pressing issues. The government’s recognition of infrastructure challenges indicates a commitment to improving conditions within Labasa, paving the way for positive developments in the community’s transportation infrastructure in the future.
Summary: The Labasa Chamber of Commerce is concerned about the lack of consultation regarding proposed bypass road plans that threaten to exacerbate parking shortages and congestion in town. Key stakeholders are preparing for discussions to address these issues, reflecting a potential for progress in improving local infrastructure.
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