Authority: We Won’t Claim Liability on Damaged Crops on Road Reserves

The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) is concerned with overgrown vegetation, and household waste on the road reserves. General manager Network Operations and Maintenance, Aram Goes says they are requesting members of the public not to plant crops and to stop disposing personal items such as building materials on road reserves.

“We will not take any liability if the crops or property are damaged during mowing or roadside drainage clearing activities,” Mr Goes said. “The FRA contractors periodically clean, mow and remove the overgrown weeds and self-sown trees to keep the road reserves clear of vegetation, debris and other obstructions. People planting crops along the road do so at their own risk, as do people leaving personal property outside their private boundary”, he said. Mr Goes said the drains on the road reserve were often overgrown and were frequently covered with household rubbish, which not only cause pollution but it also creates extra work for contractors.

“The FRA does not encourage residents undertaking planting on the road reserves due to a number of safety reasons. Plantings in the road reserve can restrict visibility in corners on rural roads increasing risk of vehicle collisions and in urban areas can prevent drivers from seeing pedestrians crossing from the roadside,” he said.

“We also require clear space when we have to place temporary road signs during roadworks, if not, then this can pose safety risks as they will be less visible to oncoming vehicles,” he said.

He said the FRA has a “Corridor Access Request” process and any member of the public wanting to carry out work on the road reserve (example: driveway construction, water connections etc.) can do so under permit, with conditions set by the FRA.

This is a free public service and these conditions are to ensure that works carried out meet the required quality standards, are done safely and not conflict with planned road upgrades or other activities in that location.

“We are also closely working with the town councils and ensure developers and resident’s whose activities encroach beyond their private boundaries are complying with the relevant Acts and bylaws to protect the road assets and see that the public’s safety is not compromised,” he said.

For more information members of the public can contact Zafiya Shamim, on 9275960 or email Zafiya.Shamim@ fijiroads.org or.

Photo: Fiji Roads Authority Fiji Roads Authority contractor employees clearing the roadside drains and overgrown vegetation on the road reserve at Nabilo Road in Korovou.