Two students narrowly escaped injury on Rotuma Island after their truck hit a pothole, resulting in them being thrown from the vehicle. This incident has led truck drivers to suspend their services, leaving approximately 300 students unable to attend school.
Dr. John Fatiaki, a Council of Rotuma advisor and former senator, expressed urgency regarding the situation, highlighting the impact on children caused by circumstances outside their control. He pointed out that the oversight for road maintenance has shifted from the Public Works Department (PWD) to the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), which now has significantly fewer resources. Previously, the PWD maintained the roads with around 12 staff members and essential machinery. Since January last year, however, the FRA has had minimal personnel available on the island, resulting in neglected road conditions.
Dr. Fatiaki emphasized that road maintenance, which was effective under the PWD, has deteriorated since its transition to the FRA. He noted frequent unpredictable weather has exacerbated the issue, leading to dangerous potholes that pose risks to vehicles and lives. Historically, contractors responsible for road repair could restore conditions effectively, but maintenance efforts now need to ramp up to avoid ongoing problems.
Due to the unsafe roads, local drivers have chosen to halt student transportation, severely disrupting education on the island. The majority of the affected students need transportation to the only secondary school on Rotuma and live some distance away.
In response to these issues, Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau recognized the concerns and mentioned that a team has been sent to evaluate the road conditions. Repair equipment is expected to arrive shortly. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro has also called for urgent action to ensure students can resume classes as soon as possible.
This situation underscores the importance of regular infrastructure maintenance to guarantee student safety and access to education. There remains hope that with the government’s prompt attention and community support, the roads will be repaired, allowing students to continue their education without further delays.
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