Tyre centres between Suva and Nausori have seen an increase in business over the past two weeks owing to increasing demand for tyre repairs.

Damage sustained from potholes appears to be the reason for this increasing demand, said Tyreline’s Sachin Prasad .

Tyreline, which is located along Ratu Mara Road in Samabula, noted an increase in customers because of damaged tyres needing repairs from bad weather and the resultant potholes.

“A lot of customers came down to the workshop to repair their tyres, which were damaged by potholes” Mr Prasad said.

“We have noticed an increase in customers and most of them have said they were rushing to work when the tyres got damaged.

“Some people did not necessarily buy new tyres because it could be costly, but it was an easier and cheaper option for them to get their good tyres repaired and use it again.”

Ravindra Sukul has been in the tyre repair business for the past 35 years said his experience has been the same over the past few weeks.

His business Starline Tyre repair is situated at Valelevu.

“I have noticed the trend, we are getting more customers with the same problem,” Mr Sukul said.

“Potholes are one cause, but that combines with the quality of the tyre which is another problem.”

Ravindra Sukul of Starline Tyre repairs in Valelevu on April 29,2019.Photo:Simione Haravanua.

Rishal Bir runs Storm Tyres Warehouse, which is located at Ratu Dovi Road in Nasinu.

He also said customers had been agonising over damage to their vehicles with the worsening potholes.

“There have been a lot of customers and they all blame the road conditions for the damage sustained to their vehicles,” Mr Bir said

“Careful driving is one thing, but how many potholes can they avoid?”

Edited by Epineri Vula

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