Landslide threat looms over North’s economic lifeline

Mounting landslide risks along the Labasa–Savusavu Highway are raising serious concerns about potential disruptions to the North’s main transport and economic corridor.

Recent observations along sections of the highway have revealed vulnerable slopes, prompting calls for urgent stabilisation works to prevent possible closures that could cripple businesses and daily travel between the two towns.

President of the Savusavu Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Avikash Pillay, said the highway remained the North’s key economic lifeline and warned that any disruption would have immediate consequences.

“Any disruption directly affects business operators including fuel suppliers, tourism operators, farmers and transport companies,” Mr Pillay said.

The affected areas fall under the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), which is responsible for mitigation and maintenance works.

Mr Pillay cautioned that persistent wet weather could further weaken slopes through water runoff, increasing the likelihood of landslides. A blocked highway, he said, would severely impact taxi services, bus operators, freight businesses and the tourism sector.

He warned such disruptions could delay deliveries, increase operational costs, affect supply chains, lead to spoilage of perishable goods and cause booking cancellations.

While acknowledging FRA and contractors for past debris clearance efforts, Mr Pillay stressed the need for long-term solutions rather than repeated emergency responses.

“Repeated closures due to continuous rainfall create uncertainty and financial strain for operators in the North,” he said.

He proposed preventative measures including the installation of retaining walls, rock bolting, soil reinforcement, improved drainage systems and proper maintenance of roadside drains and culverts.

“These steps are essential to prevent water buildup that weakens slopes,” he said.

Mr Pillay added that reliable infrastructure was critical to economic growth and urged FRA to prioritise preventative investment to maintain business confidence in Vanua Levu.

The highway is also crucial to Northern Division’s largest bus operator, Dalip Chand and Son Pte Limited.

Managing director Rohinil Chand said operational certainty was vital for the company.

“Passenger and driver safety remain vital to our business sustainability.”

Labasa Taxi Association general secretary Sujit Sharma echoed the concern, noting that taxi operators frequently travel between Labasa and Savusavu and depend on safe road infrastructure.

A recent site visit also revealed multiple potholes along sections of the highway, adding to accident risks.

FRA was contacted regarding permanent solutions to address the landslide threat but had not responded at the time of publication.