A combination of poor planning, and ineffective project management has exacerbated the situation, leading to delays in scheduled road repairs and upgrades.
This was highlighted by Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu as the Opposition Members of Parliament raised concerns about the ongoing deterioration of road conditions across Fiji.
In a statement, Seruiratu says the lack of a comprehensive and long-term strategy to address the maintenance needs of Fiji’s extensive road network is also a major contributing factor and this has raised significant concerns among the public and businesses alike.
He says citizens, particularly in rural and remote areas, are enduring hazardous driving conditions due to roads that are riddled with potholes, cracks, and erosion.
He adds the continued state of disrepair is not only affecting public safety but also hampering economic development and accessibility to essential services such as education and healthcare.
Seruiratu says it is apparent that the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), which is tasked with maintaining and improving the nation's road infrastructure, has struggled to address these growing issues and equally concerning are the subpar performances of contractors entrusted with road construction and maintenance projects.
He says reports of using low-quality materials, poor workmanship, and failure to adhere to industry standards have become widespread.
He adds in some cases, cheaper materials have been used to reduce costs, resulting in roads that quickly degrade after minimal wear. Seruiratu says this is especially problematic given the tropical climate and challenging weather conditions that further accelerate the deterioration of roads.
The Leader of the Opposition says as a result, the road safety and reliability of transportation across Fiji have suffered immensely, with accidents, delays, and accessibility challenges placing a burden on communities, while businesses and tourism are affected by inefficient transport networks.
Seruiratu says in remote regions, poor road conditions have made it difficult for people to access education, healthcare, and emergency services, further exacerbating socio-economic disparities.
He says it is imperative that the FRA takes immediate action to address these issues, and the allocation of more resources for road maintenance and construction, coupled with improved planning and oversight, is essential to reversing the current trend.
He further says contractors must be held accountable for the quality of their work, and there needs to be stringent monitoring, including the use of proper materials and skilled labour, to ensure that road repairs and construction are carried out to the highest standards.
Seruiratu says they are calling on the government to prioritize road infrastructure as a critical issue that directly impacts the well-being of the Fijian people and the country’s economic future.
He adds they are urging FRA and all contractors involved in road projects to be transparent, accountable, and committed to delivering high-quality work that will benefit Fiji for years to come.
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