A Taveuni transport operator is calling for urgent investment on the island’s roads and bridges, saying deteriorating infrastructure is disrupting transport services and putting passengers at risk.
Prakash Sami said while transport operators were already grappling with higher operating costs, the poor conditions of key bridges and roads had added to the burden.
“Running buses on this remote island is already expensive because the roads are not regularly maintained,” Mr Sami said.
Mr Sami said one of the most pressing concerns was the condition of the Nalele bridge.
“The bridge is falling apart and makes a lot of noise whenever vehicles cross it. We have been writing to the Fiji Roads Authority for years asking for it to be replaced, but nothing has happened.”
“The bridge at Nalia has completely collapsed and a temporary bypass has been in place for the past 10 to 15 years without the bridge being rebuilt.”
He said commuters also faced regular disruptions at the bridge near the Bouma Waterfall.
“During high tide, seawater rises more than a metre over the bridge. My passengers are often stranded because buses cannot cross. Some passengers had to wait inside the bus for hours until the tide goes down.”
He said the deteriorating infrastructure affected residents, businesses and school children who relied on public transport every day.
“My main concern is the students. They need to get to school, and I always plan ahead because this is an island and we should never be forgotten.”
He said despite the challenges, transport operators continued to provide essential services, even during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Although there were lockdowns and ships were not coming to the island, I had enough fuel stored to continue providing services.
“Some bus trips had to be suspended because of the fuel situation, but we still tried our best to transport people from one end of the island to the other.”
He urged relevant authorities to prioritise road and bridge upgrades on the island to ensure residents had safe and reliable access to transport.
