Business owners raise concerns

BUSINESS owners and shoppers in Labasa have raised concerns with the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) about dust emanating from roads not sealed.

Frustrated members of the public called on the FRA to attend to the issue because of the possible health risks.

Business owners complained that items sold in shops had been coated with dust, claiming this resulted in loss of customers.

“We work on the third storey of a building and the dust that keeps coming into our office every day is really frustrating because it settles on our desks and some staff have developed cough from the dust,” said businessman Pardeep Lal.

Residents living along the main road at Sangam Primary School, Delailabasa, also complained about the dust that entered their houses because of traffic movement.

Mothers and babies attending medical clinics at Ro Qomate House along Hospital Rd have also been impacted.

FRA acting CEO Kamal Prasad said they were aware of the issue and had deployed water carts to dampen the road surface during the day.

He said night works started last week on the unsealed roads.

“This included the Nabouwalu Rd, Delailabasa from Wailevu Bridge to Nasekula Bridge and we have completed some sealing works on Labasa Main St at Y Corner and James Madhavan St and Wainikoro Rd,” he said.

Mr Prasad said the delay in works was due to road contractors having to adhere to the COVID-safe standard operating procedure (SOP).