Due to weight restrictions made by the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) on the Kasavu landslide, the Patterson Brothers Shipping Company Limited (PBSCL)is currently servicing a new route.

The company was now servicing the Suva to Nabouwalu route from Port Mua-i-Walu.

PSBCL media liaison, David Patterson, said they had made a handful of sailings from Suva to Nabouwalu to support their road haulage partners.

Mr Patterson said they started operations at Port Mua-i-Walu in late January.

He said depending on the load, PSBCL breaks even when running from Suva to Nabouwalu.

“We can only hope the plan that FRA puts into place is both good for both the short and long term use of the Kings highway,” he said.

He said their passengers were not happy with the temporary route because of the increasing travel times and increasing travel costs.

Mr Patterson said they still operated on their normal schedule from Natovi for those customers that were able to make their own way there.

“We have been operating out of Natovi since the 1960’s when traffic was much lower and see it as our duty to continue to service the route whether good or bad times.”

FRA chief executive officer, John Hutchinson, said they were aware of the impact that the current restrictions had on the travelling public and industry in general.

“We are seeking to put in place an interim solution that will allow the road to be fully re-opened to traffic as quickly as possible whilst a long term solution is established,” said Mr Hutchinson.

He said FRA was analysing the geotechnical reports and experts have been engaged to redesign the road at the slip.

Moreover, Mr Hutchison said FRA was looking to implement a medium term solution for the slip repair.

“This allows an examination on the road and on its current alignment.”

He said they were hoping to fix the road for double lane traffic by July 17, weather permitting.

This he said would also be dependent on the approval for the design and funding from the board.