A push for a review of civil service working hours has been initiated by Opposition Member Vijay Nath, who criticized the government’s inability to tackle the persistent traffic congestion in the Suva and Nausori corridor. Mr. Nath pointed out that the daily commuting experience has evolved from a minor inconvenience into a significant crisis, reflecting poor planning and leadership.
He noted that during peak hours, the time it takes to travel from Nausori to Suva, a distance of about 40 kilometers, can stretch to nearly two hours. This situation leaves workers, parents, students, and essential service providers arriving at their destinations already fatigued, emphasizing the urgent need for a reassessment of civil service hours.
Proposing a potential solution, Mr. Nath suggested adjusting civil service working hours to a 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM schedule, allowing the private sector to maintain its 8:00 AM start time. He emphasized that if changing all civil service hours is not feasible, then consideration should be given to revising school start times, as school traffic significantly contributes to congestion. His proposal includes allowing commuters from Nausori the flexibility to begin work later, while those in Suva would keep the earlier hours.
Mr. Nath also urged for the empowerment of permanent secretaries to enact policies that consider commuting realities rather than just convenience for higher-ups. He suggested that while flexible working hours could be beneficial, the implementation should start with senior management to prevent misuse. Additionally, work-from-home arrangements could be an immediate strategy to help alleviate traffic volumes.
The call for change comes alongside recommendations for increased police presence in congested areas and the reduction of unnecessary road humps to improve traffic flow. This comprehensive approach reflects a growing concern over commuting challenges in the region and suggests that timely action could enhance the daily experience for thousands of citizens.
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