Cabbies: Poor roads mean higher fares
CABBIES say customers have to fork out more in fares because of poor road conditions and potholes.
“The slower we drive, the more they have to pay,” said Nasinu Taxi Association president Shiva Shankram.
He said “massive potholes” along Mayoral Drive and Daniva Rd in Valelevu were hitting the pockets of customers and operators.
“The places where there are potholes, taxidrivers drive slowly and this means more fare for customers.
“Along with the customers, the taxidrivers are also affected as the car maintenance has increased which is very costly.
“So even though customers are paying more, there is no benefit to the drivers.”
Mr Shankram said cabbies had get their vehicles repaired more often because of damage caused by potholes.
“People are already suffering from the effects of COVID-19 and drivers have to spend more than half of their income on maintenance, which is very sad.”
He said the potholes on Mayoral Drive and Daniva
Rd – Nasinu’s most travelled thoroughfares – were “lovo pits”.
“The potholes are getting deeper and there is no permanent fix to it. Whenever it rains, they deepen.
“We are paying road levy and rates but the road conditions have not improved for months.
“Maintenance should immediately be done when potholes start to appear, however, on this road, maintenance is delayed by up to three or four months.
“Even if they just put gravel in the potholes, it will help us as our cars will not get as badly damaged and it won’t affect our service.”
Fiji Roads Authority acting CEO Kamal Prasad said Mayoral Drive and Daniva Rd were on Nasinu’s future plan for rehabilitation works.
He said in the interim, the roads would be attended to through their “routine maintenance”.