Labasa Bypass Road Stalled

The Labasa bypass road project remains a key priority, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka af­firming the need for work to commence.

Mr Rabuka highlighted the urgency of the bypass during discussions with the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), stressing the importance of dual road access to and from Labasa Town.

"The current one-way road network cannot handle the traffic flow," he said.

He recounted a fire in Labasa Town when fire crews were delayed due to limited road ac­cess.

"I proposed the development of the old rail bridge adjacent to the main bridge into a two­way road network," Mr Rabu­ka added.

Stakeholder concerns

The stagnant progress on the bypass project has drawn criti­cism from multiple stakehold­ers.

Public transport providers, in particular, have voiced frustra­tion over traffic congestion and delays in services.

Labasa Town Taxi Associa­tion general secretary Sujit Sharma underscored the pressing need for the bypass.

"Excessive vehicles during peak periods worsen traffic congestion," he said.

Mr Sharma also noted the im­pact on businesses.

"Our taxi services suffer dur­ing peak times," he reiterated, reflecting his earlier comments on this matter.

FRA's update and funding challenges

At a public consultation with taxi drivers in Labasa last Oc­tober, FRA assets manager Amit Deo acknowledged that the project remained at the management discussion stage.

The bypass road project is a complex undertaking, with an estimated cost of $30 million disclosed after the Coalition Government assumed office.

"The project will take time to materialise and is not an easy exercise," Mr Deo explained.

Future prospects

As discussions continue be­tween the town council and Government, stakeholders are eager for tangible progress.

With increasing vehicle num­bers and ongoing develop­ments in Labasa, the bypass road is seen as vital for allevi­ating congestion and support­ing growth.

Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun. com.fj