Council rejects liability over uncovered manhole

The Labasa Town Council has rejected responsibility for the uncovered manhole outside Macuata House, saying the infrastructure is owned and managed by the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA).

The clarification comes weeks after a man reported falling into the uncovered manhole and sustaining injuries, prompting public concern over safety in the town centre.

Council special administrator Paul Jaduram said the manhole, located along the Wainikoro/Cama Road corridor, falls entirely under FRA's jurisdiction and is not an asset owned or maintained by the council.

"While we regret the incident and the injuries reportedly suffered by Shalendra Ram, the council cannot be held responsible for infrastructure that is outside our authority," Mr Jaduram said.

He said the council nevertheless records public complaints, including those involving infrastructure managed by other agencies, and forwards them to the relevant authorities to ensure occupational health and safety issues are addressed promptly.

Mr Jaduram said the council remained committed to working closely with statutory authorities to improve public safety throughout Labasa.

He also urged members of the public to use social media responsibly.

"Please use social media wisely by sharing information based on facts and evidence, not hearsay," he said.

FRA responds

The FRA confirmed the manhole has since been barricaded as a temporary safety measure following the complaint.

FRA said the manhole is located outside the pedestrian footpath and that the walkway remains safe and accessible for the public.

The authority said a permanent manhole cover is scheduled to be installed later this month.