Our roads! – DEPESH RAMANLAL VARADOLI, BA
FIJI’S breathtaking natural beauty is world-renowned, a primary reason tourists flock to our shores. Yet, the state of the very roads that connect our communities and showcase our islands tells a different, more troubling story. From the bustling streets of Suva to the scenic coastal highways, a consistent pattern of neglect and substandard work is undermining our progress, compromising safety, and shaping the perception of our nation. For a country that often grapples with the “third world” label, accepting such poor infrastructure only reinforces this outdated stereotype and hinders our development. One of the most visible and frustrating issues is the poor quality of pothole repairs. We have all seen them: potholes filled with lowquality materials that disintegrate after the first heavy rain, leaving the road surface even more hazardous than before. This cycle of break-and-fix is a significant drain on public funds, as money spent on a temporary patch is money wasted, requiring the same pothole to be addressed repeatedly. This approach is not a solution. It is a costly and dangerous stopgap that has become all too familiar. The problem extends beyond potholes to a fundamental lack of road safety features. It is increasingly common to see newly sealed roads remain unmarked for weeks, or even indefinitely. Without clear centre lines and edge lines, these roads become confusing and perilous for drivers, especially at night. Furthermore, a stark contrast to the past is the near-total absence of cat’s eye reflectors on new road projects. These simple devices were once a standard feature, providing crucial visual guidance after dark. Their disappearance represents a clear decline in safety standards that is difficult to justify. These are not luxuries. They are basic requirements for a modern, functional road network. The consequences of substandard roads are severe and far-reaching. Drivers face increased costs from vehicle damage like tire blowouts and suspension repairs. More gravely, poor surfaces and a lack of markings contribute to road accidents, injuries, and fatalities. The economic toll is immense, with lost productivity from traffic delays and vehicle downtime hampering national progress. Importantly, we cannot ignore the impression this makes on our visitors. Tourists, who are essential to our economy, take note of our infrastructure. A bumpy, confusing, and poorly maintained road system directly contradicts the image of a pristine paradise we work so hard to promote. This potentially affects their desire to return. There is a popular saying that “the standard you walk past is the standard you accept”. This holds a profound truth for our current situation. When we drive past a poorly patched pothole day after day, or navigate an unmarked road without complaint, we are silently condoning this decline. Our passive acceptance normalises a failing standard that is unbecoming of a nation with Fiji’s aspirations. We must shift from quiet frustration to a collective demand for accountability. We must hold the relevant authorities to a higher benchmark for the infrastructure we all fund and use. It is imperative that the government and responsible agencies treat road maintenance and construction as a critical investment in our future, not a recurring expense. This means moving away from temporary patches and mandating durable materials and proven techniques. It means restoring essential safety features like road markings and cat’s eye reflectors as non-negotiable components of any project. Most importantly, the government must formally consider the full cost of poor roads. This includes the cost of healthcare for accident victims, lost productivity, and reputational damage to our tourism industry. This must be weighed against the upfront investment in quality infrastructure. The latter will undoubtedly prove more economical, safer, and more dignified in the long run. Our roads are the arteries of our nation. They deserve care, quality, and respect. Let us no longer walk past the failing standard. Let us collectively demand one that ensures safety, reflects our national pride, and builds a future Fiji can truly be proud of.
Being proactive – WISE MUAVONO BALAWA, LAUTOKA
IT’S amazing that after many times of Lautoka being engulfed with toxic smoke and affecting the health of residents, the Lautoka City Council still hasn’t found a solution to curb the Vunato landfill fires. What steps have LCC taken to prevent future fires? What awareness on preventative measures has the council’s health department undertaken regarding inhalation of the smoke that blanketed Lautoka for days? Cease thy slumber at thy job Lautoka City Council! Sobo!
Trump must go – RAKESH CHAND SHARMA NADI
PRESIDENT Trump has to go, but not now. He needs another six months to bring total chaos to this world and the USA for he was elected for this purpose.
Political trust – AVENAI SERUTABUA NABUKELEVU VILLAGE, SERUA
NEW political party will not solve our problem. It is the credibility of the leadership in the party that matters, it is the politician that changes clothes. These are the same politicians whose agenda is power and when it swells their head, they abuse it. Where is the leadership credibility? Power abuse… mm interesting.
Truth triumphs – RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
IN his Diwali Message NFP leader, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad said the Coalition Government “always ensured that good governance, transparency and accountability are always upheld“ (FT 22/10). I believe many Fijians would dispute that claim on the basis of what they have witnessed since the Coalition came to power three years ago.
PRB flat re-development – MELI MATANATOTO NADI
PRB flats at Mead Rd have become a thorn on the side of law order. It is time to redevelop that area to build more social cohesion and more cohesive behaviour to the community and society in that red area community. It is to time for redevelopment of that place.
Breach of trust – SELWA NANDAN LAUTOKA
THE recent leakage of confidential information relating to a sugar cane farmer’s production details via a social media post is a very serious matter. For it is not only a breach of trust but more so grossly inappropriate and unethical as well. The Minister for Sugar has publicly shared specific details about Arvind Singh’s tonnage figures per farm which should remain privy between FSC and the grower. The disclosure, therefore, I believe, is in contravention of the Data Protection Act 2023. As the political head of FSC, I believe the Minister for Sugar may access internal data only for governance purposes. Using it to support his personal argument with a grower constitutes misuse of official information and conflict of interest. Furthermore, if the data was provided by a FSC staff then he or she may also be liable for misconduct and breach of trust under FSC’s Code of Conduct.
Soccer coach options – DONALD SINGH SUVA
ANGE Postecoglou the Aussie coach just got sacked after 39 days in charge by Nottingham Forest for the team’s lack of wins despite playing good football. Last season he had a similar run of results with Tottenham Hotspur, but won the Europa League; however not enough to save him from the sack. Postecoglou is now available, and he is actually a good coach, with his style quite suited to the Fijian playing style. In the Europa League final he changed his style a bit to beat Man Utd. He could have been approached for the Fiji soccer team head coach role. Who knows, when this new French gaffer decides to leave “for personal reasons”, we could be attracting Postecoglou or someone else at that level. I heard the paisa is good even at Fiji coach level, so he might agree. I mean, it must have been the paisa that attracted this French guy! Any clues on our latest world ranking? It doesn’t matter, but no harm asking, eh!
Another accident – RONNIE CHANG MARTINTAR, NADI
ANOTHER minibus road accident in Matawalu yesterday morning, Wednesday, October 22, was yet another strong confirmation of the recklessness of some minibus drivers. Most minibus drivers are known “speedsters”. They just need to be in front of everyone else. They take risks: speeding, overtaking around bends, through double lines and on bridges. There are too many show-off minibus drivers. Familiarity has definitely bred enormous contempt. They have enjoyed more than enough publicity for all the wrong reasons. LTA penalties for numerous repeat offences are not deterrent enough. Something is definitely wrong. Something is not working. System needs major overhaul. Three strikes must mean immediate revocation of drivers’ licences. Stiffer and more stringent on-thespot penalties must apply. Do not waste valuable court times. There is no other way, in my view, having driven since November 1971, law abidingly too.
Lighting the way forward – RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU
DEAR Fred Wesley, your editorial titled ‘Lighting the way forward’ (FT: 22/10) was a masterpiece. Based on Diwali, the Festival of Lights, the editorial reminded readers about the colour, devotion, joy, and values that bind us together as a nation. Thank you, sir, for reiterating that Diwali is a story of good triumphing over evil, of light conquering darkness, and of hope rising above despair. Indeed Wesley, in our beloved Fiji, Diwali reflects our shared identity, a celebration of harmony and coexistence which is made stronger by its diversity. We are so blessed to live in a multiracial country like Fiji where we share respect and understanding that we enjoy here and during festivals like Diwali, this unity is strengthened as neighbours greet each other, families share food, and communities come alive with the glow of light and laughter. This act of celebrating together is an unspoken message, that despite what may separate us on paper, we are bound by friendship, empathy, and mutual respect. Like any other religious event, Diwali calls for reflection and challenges us to look at the darker corners of our lives, to acknowledge prejudice, misunderstanding, or bitterness that sometimes creep in and to choose light and to build our daily acts of kindness and acceptance. To my fellow Fijians, let us carry the light of Diwali beyond the celebrations and strengthen the bonds of friendship, respect and understanding and teach the younger generation the importance of unity and peace. Let’s unite to build a better Fiji, one that we shall always be proud of!
Festival of Lights or noise? TESSA MACKENZIE SUVA
I HAVE always enjoyed Diwali, the Festival of Lights, from the days of simple diya shining in our homes and gardens to the elaborate electric decorations and sparkling fireworks. I was pleased to hear our Prime Minister speak so much of light in his message. On Tuesday as the sky darkened, I looked forward to a treat of lights in the darkening sky. Instead, I was made to endure the noise of incredibly loud firecrackers. Great terrifying bangs in quick succession made me fear for my hearing and pray for the many pets in our area. Hearing is so important to our pets and their ears are much more sensitive than mine. Can the Government please ban the importation of such deafening firecrackers? Surely such loud noise is unnecessary.
