IF you live along the Suva-Nausori corridor, you’re likely all too familiar with the frustration of long hours spent in traffic.
This daily grind has become a pressing issue for many residents, prompting attention from the highest levels of government.
Last week in Parliament, Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau acknowledged the severity of traffic congestion along this key corridor as Opposition members raised the matter.
He assured Parliament that efforts were underway to address this growing concern, aligning with the Government’s broader commitment to improving access to socio-economic opportunities.
Infrastructure upgrades and long-term plans
Ro Filipe informed Parliament that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) are working in tandem as part of the Government’s medium- to long-term infrastructure development strategy.
Central to this plan are upgrades to critical road networks, including the four-lane widening of: Ratu Dovi Road (from Nadera to Laqere), Fletcher Road (from Nanuku to Laucala Bay Road) and Princes Road (from Khalsa Road to Samabula).
“These are vital corridors that will significantly reduce traffic congestion once upgraded,” he said.
Additionally, the FRA and the Public Works Department (PWD) are exploring the creation of new link roads to provide alternative routes, such as the Suva-Nausori Regional Road, to ease the pressure on King’s Road and Princes Road.
Projects include; cutting new routes from Wainibuku to Princes Road, connecting Davuilevu Housing to Wainibuku and exploring connections between Koronivia and Naulu.
Ro Filipe also noted that work is progressing on the four-lane expansion of King’s Road, including the replacement of the Tamavua-i-Wai Bridge, supported by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
A broader vision for transport
Beyond immediate roadworks, the Government is tackling systemic issues affecting Fiji’s transport network. With support from the New Zealand Government, a Transport Master Plan and Decarbonisation Implementation Strategy is being developed. This master plan will address traffic congestion through short- and long-term solutions, including identifying quotas for the number of vehicles on the roads.
“The increasing number of new and second-hand vehicles is putting immense pressure on our infrastructure,” Ro Filipe said.
Public transport and sustainability
As part of its efforts to create a modern and sustainable transport system, the Government is revisiting public transport options.
Initiatives include; reviewing public transport networks, promoting public transport use and developing a sustainable urban mobility plan.
A pilot project for electric buses is also under consideration. Initially proposed by the previous administration, the project is now being advanced with assistance from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).
Ro Filipe revealed plans for a shuttle service specifically designed to reduce congestion in heavily trafficked areas.
“This initiative is closely tied to the decarbonisation of public transport, reflecting our commitment to creating an efficient and environmentally friendly transport system,” he said.
Reshaping the corridor
As the Suva-Nausori corridor remains a hub of urban activity, these measures aim to alleviate the bottlenecks that have become a daily headache for commuters. From infrastructure expansion to innovative public transport projects, the Government’s plans promise a future of smoother commutes and improved connectivity for all Fijians.
For now, residents may need to endure the traffic a little longer, but the wheels of change are in motion.
