Nadi Town is currently undergoing a significant transition as it re-establishes two-way traffic on its main street, a development met with enthusiasm from residents and business owners alike. This shift, aimed at reducing congestion and improving accessibility, is seen as a positive step for the area’s economy.

Although the change is generally welcomed, it has brought to light some challenges that local businesses hope to resolve. Mohammed Azim Khan, a local entrepreneur, pointed out initial setbacks with traffic flow from the Suva side but remains optimistic that the situation will stabilize over time. Similarly, Dineshwar Raju, the owner of Raju’s Restaurant, expressed excitement about the change, stating that the previous one-way traffic system hindered customers’ access.

Despite the anticipated benefits, parking availability has emerged as a pressing concern. Many public parking meters are currently occupied by taxi bases, and illegal taxi operators are utilizing available spaces, leaving little for customers. This has prompted worries among merchants, who feel the Nadi Town Council should intervene to alleviate these issues for the benefit of local businesses.

Additionally, the introduction of a garden and sitting area on the main street, although intended to enhance the town’s aesthetic, has further limited parking options. This has led to significant losses for businesses, with estimates indicating that the area could displace hundreds of parking opportunities during peak hours.

In a positive light, businessman Mubashir Khan noted the improvement in customer access that the two-way traffic has provided, making routes easier to navigate, particularly for those traveling to key local destinations. The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) is actively seeking community feedback on this trial initiative, with the goal of fine-tuning traffic management and enhancing the experience for road users.

There is hopeful anticipation that once streetlights are properly configured and awareness of alternate routes spreads, traffic distribution will improve, alleviating some pressure on the main street. As Nadi Town embarks on this new chapter of two-way traffic, the community is optimistic that the changes will foster a more vibrant and economically prosperous environment. However, addressing the challenges surrounding parking availability will be essential for local businesses to fully benefit from this positive shift.