THERE is a need for a water taxi service from Lami to Suva but the boats need to be slightly bigger, say commuters dreading the daily traffic because of the works on the Tamavua-i-Wai bridge in Delainavesi.

The bridge, which is the only artery linking Suva to the Queens Highway, is undergoing repairs and is open to one lane. This causes traffic congestions in the morning.

Jason Cama of Lami said the children were the worst affected.

“If we are to avoid the traffic, we have to leave home before 7am. This means that those leaving in Veisari and Naboro have to leave earlier,” he said.

“The problem is for the school children who now have to wake up earlier, catch the bus earlier. This really affects them.

“I would prefer if there was a water taxi service to Suva but with bigger boats so the passengers do not get wet. The outboard generally used is not bad but it is not meant for travel to work and what if it is raining.

“All I am saying is that slightly bigger boats with the capability to transport 20 people to the minimum and covered would be a good start. I would stop driving all the way to Suva.”

Roneel Prakash of Veisari is also looking for alternative travel.

“I work in Suva and the company I work for has strict rules regarding what time I should be starting. Therefore, I have to wake up early,” he said.

“If there was a water taxi option I would be taking it. Anything beats the traffic congestion. The problem is in the afternoon when going back home when the traffic is literally moving at a snail’s pace.”

People have started to use boats to travel from Lami but there is yet to be a constant water taxi service.

Shipping companies have also started using barges to cart their containers because of the weight limitation on the bridge.

According to Fiji Roads Authority, the bridge is due to be repaired by the end of this month.