Pothole Pandemic: Are Fiji’s Roads Safe?

Motorists and local residents in Cakaudrove are currently facing significant challenges due to the increasing number of potholes and unauthorized road humps, which pose serious safety risks on local roads. Infrastructure Assistant Minister Naisa Tuinaceva acknowledged the ongoing concerns raised about the condition of the roads and has promised to escalate these issues to the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA).

Tuinaceva expressed uncertainty regarding whether proper protocols were adhered to when creating road humps in villages, emphasizing that all such modifications should follow the FRA’s established processes. Local taxi driver Farookh Mohammed highlighted the dangers posed by these unauthorized road humps, noting that they lack necessary signage or height limits and can lead to potential accidents. He described how drivers often encounter multiple unofficial road humps, making navigation difficult, particularly on both gravel and tarsealed roads.

The Hibiscus Highway, which has recently undergone repairs, is also attracting scrutiny as potholes have re-emerged just weeks after resurfacing. Concerned citizen Rodney Simpson criticized the ineffectiveness of the repairs, suggesting that consistent monitoring and proper materials should be necessary to ensure longer-lasting solutions.

In response, Tevita Waqatoga, the FRA manager in Savusavu, informed the community that they are aware of the problems and are actively addressing them. They have treated about 10.8 kilometers of roadway for pothole repairs. Additionally, contracts require contractors to return and fix any issues if potholes appear soon after repairs, a measure aimed at holding them accountable.

This situation parallels similar concerns from other areas, such as Khalsa Road in Tacirua, where residents report dangerous driving conditions due to potholes and poor road maintenance, prompting calls for urgent repairs from local authorities. These repeated issues across Fiji underscore the need for sustained investment and effective management of road infrastructure to enhance safety and encourage local business growth.

Positive action is being encouraged, with citizens expressing hope that the FRA will implement lasting solutions that can prevent further degradation of road safety. Through community engagement and cooperation between authorities, there is an optimistic outlook for improved road conditions and public safety moving forward.