Residents living along the Suva-Nausori corridor are feeling the strain of extended traffic delays, an issue that has garnered significant attention from government officials. Recently, Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau addressed this pressing challenge in Parliament, acknowledging the congestion woes raised by Opposition members. He reassured the public that measures are being put in place to improve traffic flow, aligning with the government’s overarching goal of enhancing access to socio-economic opportunities.

As part of this initiative, the government is collaborating with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) to implement a medium- to long-term infrastructure development strategy. Key projects include upgrading major roadways, such as the four-lane expansions of Ratu Dovi Road, Fletcher Road, and Princes Road. These enhancements are expected to significantly alleviate traffic congestion once completed.

Moreover, the FRA and Public Works Department are considering establishing new link roads, including a Suva-Nausori Regional Road, to provide alternatives to King’s Road and Princes Road. This will include new routes connecting Wainibuku to Princes Road and Davuilevu Housing. The ongoing four-lane expansion of King’s Road and the replacement of the Tamavua-i-Wai Bridge are also significant undertakings that are being supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The government is not just focusing on immediate traffic solutions but is also addressing systemic challenges within Fiji’s transport network. In collaboration with the New Zealand Government, a Transport Master Plan and Decarbonisation Implementation Strategy is in the works. This roadmap aims to devise short- and long-term solutions for traffic issues, including managing vehicle quotas on the roads.

To promote sustainability within public transport, the government is re-evaluating existing networks and considering new initiatives, such as a pilot project for electric buses, which is being supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Global Green Growth Institute. A new shuttle service targeting high-traffic areas is also being planned to reduce congestion.

As the Suva-Nausori corridor continues to be a bustling center of urban activity, these initiatives are designed to ease daily traffic headaches for commuters. Although residents may have to endure traffic for a while longer, it is clear that positive changes are in the works, paving the way for smoother commutes and enhanced connectivity for all Fijians.

In summary, the government’s commitment to improving the transport infrastructure in the Suva-Nausori corridor is a promising sign of a more efficient and sustainable urban transport system in the future.