HA should build roads in sub-divisions upto FRA standard before handing over to FRA – Kumar

Minister for Housing, Premila Kumar has stated that Housing Authority needs to ensure that roads being built in newly developed subdivisions are up to the standard of the Fiji Roads Authority before it can be handed over to FRA.

Questions are being raised on why Housing Authority is involved in building roads when it’s core objective is to build low-cost affordable housing for families.

Road conditions in sub-divisions like Naivorovoro Road in Nakasi are in pathetic condition.

When questioned by Fijivillage, Acting CEO of Fiji Roads Authority, Kamal Prasad said that FRA is willing to take over the subdivision roads like Naivorovoro however many newly built subdivisions are not compliant with the FRA Act.

He says they can get their contractors to re-do the roads if Housing Authority pays them for the works.

In response to our questions, Housing Authority CEO, Robert Sen says they do have the budget to pay FRA however it is not a significant amount.

He says they are working closely with FRA to get these roads maintained.

A resident of Naivorovoro Road in Nakasi, Nilesh Lal says Housing Authority and FRA need to hold discussions and sort things out as their road is in a deplorable condition for a long period of time.

Lal says Naivorovoro Road may possibly be the worst road in the greater Suva area.

He says the residents of Wainibuku Subdivision have written to the Minister for Housing and Local Government, Premila Kumar requesting for a meeting as they want to collectively raise their concerns.

There is no indication at this stage from Housing Authority and FRA on when FRA will take over the road maintenance works.