Road management
Satish Nakched, Suva
I believe that any temporary road administration arrangement is for a short time only.
It is then implemented to monitor the traffic situation with the view for a permanent solution after a collection of high-quality data and information. This was the case at Ratu Dovi Road, Laucala Beach.
In September 2017, motorists were taken by surprise when road humps, without any notice, were installed at Ratu Dovi Road near the Coca-Cola factory.
Later, the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) claimed that it was a hazardous spot where many accidents took place and the speed limit was reduced to 30 kilometres per hour.
The FRA stated that it is only a temporary arrangement and the directive will be reviewed. It has been more than two years now and the rubber humps, because of the heavy vehicle movements, have come off their fixtures and are lying scattered on the road. The loose rubber is very dangerous. It can get caught under the wheels of vehicles and could contribute to accidents or cause damage to the body of smaller vehicles.
There are also exposed nuts, which were used to hold down the humps, and this can easily cause a tyre puncture. The humps are almost as flat as the road surface and are not fit for the desired purpose – They do not slow down the traffic, which was the original intention of the implementation.
The 60KMPH speed limit sign boards are covered with black plastic, apart from the 30 KMHP, and I believe not a single driver is adhering to the new speed limit. If they did, we could have a massive traffic jam during the peak periods. Some portions of the road where the rubber humps have completely come-off have left a crack on the surface.
I believe the relevant authority needs to be more proactive in any road exercise that they undertake. And in real time be responsive to the changes that may be needed. Leaving their damaged and obsolete assets that do not disseminate correct information to the motorists reflect negatively on the organisation, apart from the physical hazard that it has created.
Rugby captain
Floyd Robinson, Toorak
Almost 10 years ago whilst studying in Hamilton, I had the privilege of meeting up with several exceptionally talented Fijians who were playing rugby in New Zealand and in search of professional contracts.
Among them was a gentleman by the name of Dominiko Waqaniburotu. One easily recognised him as a dedicated player who stood out from most others. With his attitude, he was going to go a long way in his career. He was an individual who did not say much, but his performance on the field was always a class act and it was not going to be long for the national selectors to sit up and take notice.
I recall writing back then about him and another player by the name of Sisa in Hamilton, who had the potential to make it into our national side. In summary, our national 15s team is fortunate to have a leader of his calibre. All the best to our national 15s squad, as they prepare to take on several teams leading up to the World Cup in Japan, which is only days away.
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