Motorists face long delays on Semo diversion

Motorists say diversion routes are narrow, deteriorating, and unfit for heavy traffic after the collapse of part of the Queens Highway along Semo in Nadroga.

Early childhood education teacher Salote Visoli was among those affected by the temporary traffic layout.

She said what was once a one-hour drive between Nadi and Sigatoka had turned into a three-hour journey after the road slip.

Ms Visoli said she left home before dawn to travel to Nadroga, hitching rides to reach Rukurukulevu Kindergarten in Sigatoka.

“Normally, it takes me less than an hour to reach Sigatoka, but because of this, it took me more than three hours to reach school,” she said.

“The detour roads had severe traffic jams in the morning. It was sad to see children not reaching school on time and people stuck in traffic.

“We have no option but to wait for hours because of road conditions like this. Authorities have to seriously do something.”

The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) has diverted traffic through Naidiri, Ciri, and Maro roads while reinstatement works continue.

President of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Suresh Naidu, said the disruption was a “major blow” to small and medium-sized enterprises and tourism operators.

“This is the third time a culvert at this location has sunk after heavy rain.

“We need full-time engineering oversight and more resilient material standards. The detour is crippling the flow of goods and services,” Mr Naidu said.

The FRA said two four-metre culverts collapsed under strong undercurrents causing the slip.

FRA chief executive officer Apisai Ketenalagi said teams were working around the clock.

The FRA is also constructing a temporary bypass beside the affected crossing to shorten travel times for motorists.

A temporary pedestrian crossing has also been built to allow safe movement between both sides of the road.

Mr Ketenalagi urged motorists to drive with caution along the rural diversion routes, warning that some sections were narrow and not suitable for two-way heavy traffic.

He said smaller vehicles could use the current route, while heavier trucks would be allowed once decking upgrades were completed.