80 per cent of bus routes disrupted by flooding: Labasa bus operator

About 80 per cent of bus routes operated by Dalip Chand and Son Pte Limited have been suspended as flash flooding continues to affect parts of Labasa and Macuata.

Managing director Rohinil Chand said operations over the past two days had been severely disrupted due to flooded roads and submerged bridges, making it unsafe for buses to operate.

“Most areas are under water and the bridges leading into these areas are inaccessible, so we do not want to take the risk of crossing flooded sections,” Chand said.

He said rural routes were less of a concern in terms of drivers being stranded, as most drivers lived within the communities they serviced.

Currently, only the Labasa–Savusavu express service and routes within the Wailevu area of Labasa remain operational.

When asked whether services would resume today, Chand said the company would first monitor weather conditions before making a decision.

“Our drivers are on standby and ready to operate once we give the green light,” he said.

Chand acknowledged the disruption would affect many low-income families, particularly market vendors and farmers who rely on bus services to transport fresh produce to the Labasa market.

“With the heavy rainfall in the North, many farmers may choose to stay home, which directly affects their income,” he said.

The flooding has also come at an unfavourable time, with increased commuter movement usually expected for back-to-school shopping following the release of back-to-school assistance.

“January is normally a slack period, and back-to-school shopping helps generate reasonable income,” Chand said.

He said bus operators continued to struggle with rising maintenance costs and repeated income losses caused by frequent flooding.

“We understand the frustrations of passengers during these disruptions, but safety remains our priority,” he said.

Chand added the company remained committed to servicing the Northern Division, where it is the largest bus fleet provider.