The Suva City Council in collaboration with the Fiji Roads Authority will partially close the road section of the Suva Bus Stand for a month, starting tomorrow.
SCC says this temporary closure is necessary to facilitate major infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving the Suva Bus Stand which serves thousands of commuters daily.
They say the rehabilitation works will affect the entrance to the bus stand from the MPI Carpark through to the Western, Rural, Navua, Narere and Suva-Nausori bus bay areas.
The Council says during this period, bus operators servicing the Western, Rural, Navua and Narere routes will be temporarily relocated to the MPI carpark while the Suva-Nausori bus routes will be stationed in front of the Flea Market.
Bus operators using Terminals 1, 2, and 3 will continue to operate from their current bays but will be provided access through a newly designated entry point and bus lane along Rodwell Road.
Council says given that the Suva Bus Stand is a major entry point into the city, traffic congestion is expected.
SCC Acting Chief Executive Officer Tevita Boseiwaqa has reassured the public that every effort will be made to minimize disruptions and ensure commuters safety.
He says the Council acknowledges that this temporary closure can be an inconvenience, particularly for daily commuters but it is vital to modernizing transport infrastructure and ensuring a safer, more efficient bus stand.
Boseiwaqa says to manage the situation, SCC enforcement officers and the Fiji Police Force will be stationed on-site at key locations to assist with traffic management and passenger direction.
He adds clear signage will also be placed throughout the area to provide guidance.
Council says to help mitigate the impact, commuters are encouraged to plan their travel in advance and explore alternative routes where possible and passengers should also factor in additional travel time, as delays are expected due to these changes.
Boseiwaqa says the Council is calling on the public for their cooperation and understanding as work progresses towards a modernized Suva Bus Stand that will serve as a more reliable and accessible transport hub for all.
He says these infrastructure upgrades are necessary to address long-standing issues such as flooding, congestion, uneven surfaces and drainage problems.
The groundwork for this project began last year with the installation of culverts to improve drainage and stormwater management.
The next phase of upgrades will focus on extensive road repairs, ensuring the Suva Bus Stand is safer and more functional in the long term.
