Suva City Council Chief Executive Officer Tevita Boseiwaqa says the council is liaising with the Fiji Roads Authority to address concerns over poorly maintained footpaths in the capital, amid mounting warnings that elderly pedestrians are at risk of serious injury.
Boseiwaqa confirmed to fijivillage News that FRA is the responsible agency for maintaining footpaths in affected areas and says the council will continue to follow up to ensure the issues are addressed.
Boseiwaqa says he will also pursue the installation of public rubbish bins in key streets raised by retailers.
The response follows strong concerns from the Suva Retailers Association, which says complaints about elderly people slipping and falling on damaged footpaths have intensified, particularly opposite Mid-City and along Mark Street.
Retailers Association President Jitesh Patel told fijivillage News that the condition of footpaths in high-traffic areas is unacceptable and poses a clear safety risk to senior citizens who rely on the city centre for daily activities.
He says it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured, warning that continued inaction could also expose authorities to legal action.
Patel adds the problem has persisted for years despite repeated calls for repairs, with little improvement on the ground.
When questioned last week, the Fiji Roads Authority said most damaged footpaths are caused by utility companies with service chambers located along or within footpaths, adding that these companies have been advised to maintain their infrastructure.
Beyond footpaths, Patel has also raised concerns about worsening drainage and sewerage issues across the city, particularly along Renwick Road near MHCC and New World, as well as parts of Cumming Street.
He says recent heavy rainfall has exposed chronic drainage blockages, leading to frequent flooding that disrupts businesses and dampens confidence in the city centre.
Patel says sewer overflows near Renwick Road have been ongoing for more than a year, with temporary measures such as tanker trucks being used instead of permanent solutions.
He questioned why long-term fixes have not been implemented, given the volume of businesses operating in the area and the thousands of people who pass through daily.
Patel adds that while council officers and FRA teams often inspect problem areas, little action follows beyond marking sites, leaving hazards unresolved.
He says water and sewerage issues are commonly referred to the Water Authority of Fiji, but poor coordination between agencies is contributing to delays and growing frustration among retailers.
The Retailers Association has also highlighted the lack of public rubbish bins along major streets including Mark Street, Cumming Street and Waimanu Road, questioning how the public is expected to dispose of waste responsibly.
Patel says while retailers and food operators clean their premises daily, infrastructure gaps and poor public behaviour are undermining those efforts.
He has urged authorities to take collective responsibility, stressing that Suva promotes itself as the hub of the Pacific and must present a city that is safe, clean and welcoming, particularly for tourists.
Patel says the Suva Retailers Association remains willing to work with authorities on practical solutions but believes the time has come for decisive action rather than repeated inspections without outcomes.
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