Parking spaces for paying customers in Nadi Town are increasingly being occupied by illegal taxi operators, according to local businessman Ashfaaq Khan. He voiced his concerns during a Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) stakeholder consultation about the town’s shift to a two-way traffic layout.
Khan emphasized the difficulties this situation creates for legitimate businesses, stating, “We are taxpayers… but our customers don’t have parking on the streets. Those parking meters are for our customers and clients, but these illegal taxis have been taking up that space.” He noted that this issue has persisted for a long time, occurring just meters from the council’s office.
Khan also expressed reservations about the two-lane layout, highlighting that ongoing repair works remain incomplete. He noted, “We don’t have lights, we don’t have signage. It’s not complete.” Despite these challenges, he praised the enhanced traffic flow that the new system has provided, indicating improvements in business operations and reduced travel times for customers.
This reflection aligns with the broader sentiment among local business owners who have expressed cautious optimism regarding the two-way traffic initiative. Many believe it will ultimately enhance accessibility and attract more customers. However, the continued struggle with parking availability poses a significant barrier to fully realizing the benefits of the traffic changes.
Concerns surrounding parking are echoed by other local entrepreneurs, who have called for the Nadi Town Council to take action regarding illegal taxi operations that restrict access to legitimate spaces. Improvement in parking management is deemed essential for supporting local businesses during this transition.
As Nadi Town undergoes this crucial transformation, there remains hope within the community that addressing these parking challenges will pave the way for a more vibrant and economically prosperous environment. With proper management and community cooperation, the potential benefits of the new traffic system can truly be unleashed, enhancing accessibility for residents and visitors alike.
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