Call to improve jetties, roads

DOCKING infrastructure and the roads that lead to jetties need to be improved if we are to address maritime travel passengers’ rights.

This was the view expressed by iTaukei Affairs Board deputy chief executive officer Josefa Toganivalu at the Maritime Travellers Rights consultation in Nadi last week.

“To readdress the passengers’ rights, we also have to look at the infrastructure to assist in the rights of maritime travellers and by this, we will have to see the improvement of jetties and also the roads that access the jetties,” Mr Toganivalu said.

“Otherwise, they will have to find their way first to the transit point, then on to the boats.

“We will also have to look at the access from the sea to the jetties, this is also something that must be addressed.”

Mr Toganivalu said a common issue that also came up from the maritime population in their various platforms was the disparity across shipping companies.

He said this included cargo charges which varied across companies.

“Some companies charge cargo fares on individual bags and boxes while some do not, so they are asking why the disparity across shipping companies.

“The delayed travels and also the grievance process when the FCCC (Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission) regulates fares and charges.

“Most of the time they go through the grievances procedure to complain about unfair treatment, and sometimes it is not equally addressed, and they are not satisfied at the end. I hope that at this forum we will be able to address these issues.”

Submissions for the National Policy on Maritime Travellers Rights end on May 10.