Nadi Town is undergoing a significant transformation as its main street shifts back to two-way traffic, a change that has been met with enthusiasm from both residents and business owners. This conversion to single-lane two-way traffic is expected to help reduce congestion and improve accessibility.
Local entrepreneurs are largely optimistic about the benefits this change could bring to their businesses. However, they also face some challenges that need addressing. Mohammed Azim Khan, a local business owner, acknowledged that traffic has initially faced some complications from the Suva side, but he is hopeful that these issues will soon be resolved. Dineshwar Raju, who owns Raju’s Restaurant, expressed excitement over the two-way return, noting that the previous one-way system posed obstacles for customers trying to visit.
Despite the upside of two-way traffic, multiple business owners have raised concerns about parking availability in the town. Many public meter parking spaces have been taken over by taxi bases and illegal taxi operations, which limits access for customers. This has prompted local merchants to call on the Nadi Town Council to address these issues to help businesses thrive.
The situation is further exacerbated by the garden and sitting area located directly on the main street, which has significantly reduced parking capacity. Although intended to beautify the town, these spaces could potentially displace hundreds of parking spots, straining customer access and impacting local businesses negatively.
On a brighter note, businessman Mubashir Khan pointed out that two-way traffic has enhanced customer access, making it easier for people coming from Lautoka to reach the temple area. The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) is actively seeking community input on this trial to improve traffic management and the overall experience for road users.
With proper adjustments such as the configuration of streetlights and increased awareness of alternative routes, there is hope that traffic distribution will further improve, alleviating congestion on the main street. As Nadi Town embarks on this new phase of two-way traffic, the community remains optimistic that the changes will foster a more vibrant, accessible, and economically prosperous environment. However, addressing the parking issues will be essential to ensure that local businesses can fully benefit from these positive developments.
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