THE biggest challenge to traffic congestions in the country now is the high number of active road projects along with the ever increasing vehicle numbers.

This was highlighted by the Fiji Roads Authority general manager network operations and maintenance Aram Goes this month.

Mr Goes said FRA contractors regularly brought in certified expatriates to train some of the subcontractors on how to manage traffic safely and efficiently through work sites.

“These expatriates come from Australia and New Zealand with appropriate levels of qualifications as required by registered training institutions,” he said.

“The code of practice for temporary Traffic Management (COP/TTM) requires that appropriately trained and qualified personnel must carry out and supervise temporary traffic management duties on all roadwork sites. The site traffic management supervisor (STMS) has specific duties and has ultimate responsibility for overall traffic management at the worksite.

“The courses provide training to the requirements of the COP/TTM, and cover the new standards and operating procedures for the FRA. “The next series of training will take place in February 2018 and also involve FEA, TFL and WAF who carry out frequent works within the road corridor.

“This training will assist the FRA to manage traffic well and minimise traffic congestion, with emphasis on minimising impacts during peak hours.

As the FRA address the backlog of road reconstruction the public will see more consistent journey times in the coming 6-18 months.” He says FRA seeks to embed the level of training and accreditation to Fiji for future local industry training and recognised qualification for Level 1 STMS.

This may be possibly through national institutions such as FNU and USP or other similar registered training and education providers,” he said.

“There is a great need for road workers to learn the basics of traffic management and the FRA have clear requirements when engaging contractors that they demonstrate the ability and resources to provide traffic management when tendering a particular project.

“The FRA directly and indirectly as subcontractors engage more than 30 contractors across Fiji.

“Since 2013 the FRA has achieved significant advancements in the standard of traffic management, most evident by the improved personal protective equipment (i.e. safety boots, not flip-flops and barefoot, with high-vis safety vests), good quality cones and signage.”

He said Fiji could improve on other areas particularly with planning and co-ordination for traffic congestion impacts and improved ease of vehicle movement through work sites.