NFA highlights firefighting challenges in Labasa Town due to traffic and poor infrastructure

The National Fire Authority has voiced strong concerns over the difficulties firefighters face in Labasa Town, citing severe traffic congestion and poor infrastructure, especially along the main roads.

NFA’s concern comes as the government moves forward with the proposed Labasa Bypass Road Project, aimed at easing traffic and improving access in the town.

CEO Puamau Sowane says Labasa’s two-lane road system is causing serious delays during emergencies.

He says no matter how many fire trucks you bring in, if they don’t have proper access, it will always be too late.

He stressed that even a temporary solution to reduce congestion could significantly improve emergency response.

The CEO says ensuring clear access to businesses and homes is crucial, especially during fire emergencies.

Sowane also raised concerns about the limited number of fire hydrants on the town’s main street, noting that there are only five where the standard requires one every 100 metres.

Insert: Sowane on hydrant issues PN 13th Aug

He says the situation becomes critical when several fire trucks need to refill simultaneously, and the hydrants are unable to meet the demand.

Sowane also recommended installing a shared underground duct system — a model used in Japan — as a long-term solution, where electricity, water, and telecom lines are placed in separate underground levels to support better urban planning.

Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh says this is the third official meeting on the project, which was prompted by a major fire in Labasa Town that exposed severe traffic bottlenecks affecting emergency services.

He adds that the Prime Minister raised concerns following the fire and requested urgent steps to find ways to reduce traffic congestion.

The Fiji Roads Authority, which is leading the project says the bypass design is 95 percent complete.

FRA has been given until the 15th of next month to finalise the designs and costing.

Singh says once the plans are finalised, he will take the proposal to Cabinet, and then to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Finance to seek the necessary funding.

He says the government and stakeholders agree this project is essential to resolving both infrastructure limitations and emergency access issues in Labasa.