Stop road tragedies, Tui Labasa pleads

Tui Labasa, Ratu Jone Qomate, is concerned about the recent avoidable road accidents, which have recently claimed two lives.

One of the deceased, Police traffic officer Dharmesh Krishna, lost his life on Monday after sustaining major injuries when he was trapped under a sugarcane truck in Labasa last Saturday night.

Ratu Jone, while sharing his condolences with the grieving family, said no Police officer or individual should lose their life in such an unfortunate manner.

“Drivers need to slow down and be patient while on the road,” Ratu Jone said.

“I have observed many drivers speeding without any genuine reason,” he added.

Labasa Taxi Association general secretary, Sujit Sharma, suggests proper visibility of road signs and adequate traffic management at night to assist drivers and pedestrians.

“Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) must ensure pedestrian crossings and zebra crossings are clearly marked, painted, and visible,” Ratu Jone insisted.

FRA recently erected a road hump on Nakorotari Road in an effort to provide more speed breakers and reduce speeding.

“With vehicle accidents happening daily, I request FRA to fix all potholes and install adequate lighting at night for better visibility for drivers and pedestrians,” Mr Sharma said.