Frustration grew among customers outside the Vodafone outlet in Nausori yesterday with many calling for better service delivery and more support, especially for the elderly.
Venina Cikovu, 74, said she had been waiting since 8am and had still not been served by early afternoon.
“It is now half past 12 and we still haven’t reached inside yet,” Ms Cikovu said.
“They should at least set up another office to make it easier and serve everyone a bit quicker.
“I’m 74 years old, my legs are not what they used to be.”
Durgaa Wati, 65, shared a similar experience after arriving at 10am to update her granddaughter’s card.
“She has a toothache and couldn’t come today, so I came on her behalf,” Ms Wati said.
“This is really frustrating, having to wait in a long line like this.”
A parent also raised concerns about the impact on families and students.
“Vodafone needs to visit schools rather than having us come here for their service,” the parent said.
“It would be much easier if they issued the new cards at schools.
“We’ve been here since 8am and it’s almost 1pm now.
“Our children are about to finish school and we’ve been standing all day.”
Meanwhile, Vodafone Fiji has assured line minister and Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica that steps are being taken to ease public frustration over the rollout of the new eTransport cards.
“Vodafone has acknowledged the concerns and assured me that they are working on sorting out the issues,” Mr Kamikamica said.
“They are increasing resources at every agency to cater for the queues, will look at booking larger venues such as town halls so people can sit down, and will display requirements for the new card more visibly so that people do not get turned away.
“There will also be priority lines for the elderly and persons with disabilities.”
