Residents along the Suva-Nausori corridor are grappling with significant traffic congestion, a problem that has caught the attention of government officials. During a recent Parliament session, Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau recognized the issue raised by Opposition members, promising that efforts to alleviate this congestion were already in progress. This commitment forms part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance access to socio-economic opportunities for citizens.

The Minister noted that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) are collaborating on a medium- to long-term infrastructure development plan targeting key road upgrades. This plan includes widening several vital routes: Ratu Dovi Road from Nadera to Laqere, Fletcher Road from Nanuku to Laucala Bay Road, and Princes Road from Khalsa Road to Samabula. Ro Filipe expressed confidence that these upgrades would substantially ease traffic flow.

Additionally, plans are underway to create new link roads intended to divert traffic from congested areas. These projects aim to establish connections that will relieve congestion on busy roads like King’s Road and Princes Road, including potential routes from Wainibuku to Princes Road and linking Davuilevu Housing to Wainibuku.

The government is also prioritizing the four-lane expansion of King’s Road, which includes the replacement of the Tamavua-i-Wai Bridge, with support from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Beyond these immediate projects, a comprehensive approach to transport issues is being developed. With backing from the New Zealand government, a Transport Master Plan and Decarbonisation Implementation Strategy are being formulated to provide a pathway for addressing congestion both in the short and long term. One aspect of this plan includes managing the growing number of vehicles contributing to infrastructure strain.

In line with creating a more sustainable transport environment, the Government is reassessing public transportation options. Plans involve reviewing the current public transport network, encouraging its use, and developing a sustainable urban mobility plan. A pilot project for electric buses is also on the horizon, originally proposed by the past administration, now being advanced with assistance from Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Global Green Growth Institute.

Ro Filipe announced that a shuttle service is in the works to alleviate congestion in high-traffic areas, aligning with the government’s commitment to decarbonize public transport and create an environmentally friendly system.

As development moves forward, these initiatives signal a positive change for the region, which has struggled with traffic issues for too long. While residents may face continued congestion in the short term, substantial improvements in road infrastructure and public transport promise a brighter commuting experience for all Fijians in the near future.

In summary, this article outlines the government’s proactive steps to address traffic congestion in the Suva-Nausori corridor through targeted infrastructure improvements and public transportation enhancements, signaling a commitment to better connectivity and sustainable transport solutions for the community.