Suva residents stranded in Lautoka were relieved to have finally been given a 24-hour window to return to their homes yesterday.

This, following the announcement by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services that buses would be servicing the Lautoka to Suva route.

Lemeki Turaga, 18, said he was happy to be returning home.

“I came to visit some of my relatives here in Lautoka and I didn’t think I would be away from home this long,” he said. “It’s really good to be going back home.”

Also returning on the last bus to Suva along the Queens Highway was Amitesh Nand who did not want to be caught in this situation again.

“It was really hard being away from my family,” he said.

“Even though I was staying with relatives while I was stuck here, it isn’t the same when you are with your own family and you go through this together.

“No one wants to be away from their family at a time like this.” About four buses left the Lautoka bus stand yesterday headed for Suva without stopping along the way.

All four public transport was only allowed to service the Queens Highway while travel through the Kings Highway was not allowed.