Tavua Village demands road safety fix along deadly highway

Concerns are mounting over a dangerous stretch of road at Nadolodolo in Tavua, where repeated accidents have claimed lives. 

Nadolodolo Village headman, Apimeleki Vunisa, has called on authorities to act urgently after a fatal crash on September 12 that killed Reverend Mosese Qica Seruiratu and his wife, Karalaini Toga Seruiratu. 

Mr Vunisa said the community has recorded at least 15 accidents along the same stretch of road. 

“This is a national concern. More than 50 schoolchildren use this road daily to catch their bus,” Mr Vunisa said. 

“Despite speed limit signs, drivers continue to speed. We need speed humps and cameras to prevent further loss of life,” he said. 

Mr Vunisa insisted that signage alone was not enough. 

“We notice drivers ignore the signs. Humps and cameras are the only way to deter speeding,” he said. 

Mr Vunisa also raised concerns about the deteriorating village road, which has made travel difficult for residents. 

“After completing current projects, we will move to your area.”

Mr Vunisa said that urgent action is needed before more lives are lost. 

The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) acknowledged the poor state of the road and said work has begun in the surrounding areas. 

FRA acting general manager of West, Paula Tuinona, confirmed it had received the request and assured villagers that measures are being considered. 

“The speed limit sign has been moved closer to your locality to control speeding, and we will continue to liaise with the community,” Mr Tuinono said. 

Mr Tuinono confirmed that the FRA chief executive officer has approved the project for speed humps, and that it will proceed; however, no timeline has been provided.

The community hopes that with the planned installation of speed humps and further monitoring, safety will finally improve for students and all road users.