Passengers traveling from the West to Suva were fortunate to escape injury when their bus was targeted with stones near Naboro on Thursday night. Salesh Nand, the manager of Pacific Transport Ltd, stated that this was the second time such an incident had occurred at the same location and approximately the same time, raising serious concerns about passenger safety.
Nand reported that the incident took place around 10 PM, and while the physical harm was avoided, the company is now reconsidering its evening bus service between the West and Suva. “We are worried about the safety of our passengers and driver,” he explained, indicating that a detailed assessment of the situation would be conducted to determine future actions.
The damage to the bus has been estimated at $3,000, and the driver promptly reported the matter to the authorities at the Lami Police Station. As of now, police representatives have not responded to queries regarding this troubling event.
This incident aligns with a broader concern regarding safety on public transportation in Fiji. Recent reports indicate a rising trend of stoning attacks on buses across the region, leading to operators like Rohinil Chand from Dalip Chand and Son Pte Limited suspending evening bus routes after experiencing multiple attacks. Community leaders have expressed their worries, and calls have been made for stricter penalties to deter such dangerous behaviors.
This situation highlights the necessity for collaborative efforts between law enforcement and community members to enhance the safety of public transport. There is optimism that increased awareness and proactive measures can lead to a substantial decrease in violence and vandalism. Stakeholders remain hopeful that through joint initiatives, they can cultivate a more secure atmosphere for all travelers who depend on these essential services.
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