Couchman said the overall focus would ensure that roadside drains are cleaned and functional

Fulton Hogan Hiways’ (FHH) overall focus in the current quarter for the Northern Division is to keep water off the roads, says Ryan Couchman, the project manager North.

FHH is working under the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) maintenance programme to provide road access to the Central, Northern and Eastern divisions.

Mr Couchman said the overall focus would ensure that roadside drains are cleaned and functional.

“Getting rid of the water from our roads solves the majority of the issues we face on the roading network,” Mr Couchman said.

“Once resolved, this enables the focus to return our metalling programme to improve access in rural areas.”

He added that they are also focused, in particular, on improving bus routes in Vanua Levu for the greater travelling public, thus addressing the issue of reducing water impacting negatively on roads is crucial.

Vanua Levu experienced unusually heavy downpour during December 2016 and all through the first quarter of this year, wreaking havoc on its road networks, especially bus routes in Labasa and rural areas in the three provinces of Cakaudrove, Bua and Macuata.

Meanwhile, metalling work on Nawi Road in Dakuniba, Cakaudrove, has not been completed due to unfavourable weather conditions.

FHH Savusavu Depot Manager, Solomone Nabete said: “We cannot cart any material along the weak pavement, which may only add more damage.

“We have plans in place to undertake some drainage work and vegetation removal, followed by spot metalling.

“More preventative maintenance work will ensue once weather conditions have improved and the pavement has had time to dry out somewhat.

“In the meantime, we shall work hard to maintain access to as many of the public as possible.”

Source: Fulton Hogan Hiways

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