Frustration escalated during a recent public consultation in Suva regarding worsening traffic congestion, particularly along the Suva-Nausori corridor. Residents expressed their exasperation about the daily ordeal of gridlock, demanding urgent solutions to alleviate the situation, which many described as unbearable.
Several proposals were offered by attendees to tackle the congestion issue. Harish Chandra, the managing director of Regent Taxis Pte Limited, suggested adjusting school hours by 30 minutes to reduce traffic during peak times. He noted that traffic flows more smoothly during school holidays, pointing to the contribution of school drop-offs combined with commuters entering the roads simultaneously.
Another local, Indar Deo, advocated for tighter regulations on heavy vehicles during peak hours, a technique that has proven effective in other countries. He emphasized the necessity to manage the number of vehicles on the roads, suggesting restrictions on non-essential trucks during high-traffic periods.
Calls were also made for improved coordination between the Water Authority and road agencies to minimize unnecessary roadworks that often exacerbate congestion.
As worsening conditions loom, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) indicated that vehicle numbers are predicted to rise sharply, with 10,000 new registrations expected in December 2024 alone. LTA CEO Irimaia Rokosawa highlighted a seven percent increase in registered vehicles over the past year, which adds to the backlog of vehicles waiting for registration. He urged a reevaluation of vehicle importation and disposal policies, suggesting a model similar to Singapore, where car ownership is regulated through high taxes and permits.
Rokosawa’s warning stressed that the current infrastructure is inadequate to handle the growing number of vehicles, further fueling residents’ discontent. Many expressed impatience with the ongoing discussions and called for immediate and actionable steps to address the congestion crisis.
This heightened level of engagement from residents reflects a community increasingly aware of the traffic challenges, encouraging a collaborative approach to finding practical solutions that can enhance the overall transport system. The involvement of local stakeholders may lead to a more efficient and sustainable future for transport in Fiji, showing promise despite the current frustrations faced by commuters.
The collective push for real action may very well serve as a catalyst for long-term improvements, paving the way for a transport network that adapts to the growing needs of the population.
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