Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) contractors face significant challenges in coordinating works during the wet period, as resources are diverted towards emergency restoration during this time.
While responding to questions, the FRA said its road rehabilitation program was heavily affected by the rainy season, which ran from November to April.
“They face significant challenges in coordinating work as resources are diverted towards emergency restoration during this time,” the FRA said.
Continuous rainfall has slowed scheduled works and forced contractors to prioritise urgent repairs caused by flooding and water damage.
However, FRA said it was working to increase the capacity of its maintenance contractors across all divisions.
“It is per the road corridor maintenance contract tender advertised on December 30, 2025, which closes on February 2, 2026.”
As part of its rehabilitation work, FRA said contractors had been scheduled to facilitate overlay at the Nasekula bridge as soon as the weather clears up.
“There are immediate measures in place this week to make the section safe and allow for a smooth transition between the Nasekula bridge and the Delailabasa area.”
However, the worsening pothole situation was being blamed on excessive runoff from the village.
“The bridge is due for replacement, and the additional pothole issue is due to the amount of runoff from the village and nearby areas towards the road, which is redirected to the Nasekula bridge.”
But for road users, the situation has already taken a heavy toll.
Labasa Taxi Association chair Mahen Prasad said this was causing long queues because drivers were forced to slow down to avoid damaging their vehicles.
“A ride that normally takes 20 minutes is now taking more than an hour. It’s frustrating and costly for everyone,” he said.
Mr Prasad said traffic congestion had become a daily struggle for commuters and business operators, with travel times more than tripling.
“Ambulances and other emergency vehicles are affected, and that is very worrying. Drivers are swerving or stopping suddenly to avoid potholes, which increases the risk of accidents,” he said.
He said many residents were now calling on the relevant authorities to urgently repair the bridges before the situation deteriorated further.
