FRA EXAMINES CALLS FOR STREETLIGHTS AT NOTORIOUS SHORTCUT
Caubati residents live in fear after recent muggings
The Fiji Roads Authority was to inspect the notorious Caubati short-cut last night after calls to install street lights were made by residents.
Chief executive officer (CEO) Jonathan Moore said yesterday they were planning to inspect the site. He was organising a team to investigate the issue.
“We are trying to fix street lights in areas where needed and to see what our team can do in the short term,” he said.
Recent muggings of people near the shortcut have prompted a public outcry for street lights.
The Nasinu Town Council said street lights were the responsibility of the FRA.
A resident of Kuruva Road in Caubati revealed how dangerous the short-cut was after dark.
Netani Druavesi, 20, said the short-cut was being used every day although it was unsafe. Both sides of the path were covered in bush.
“It is a risk that we take when we use the short-cut. No lights encourage muggings and thefts,” he said. He said he was particularly concerned about children who returned
to their homes as darkness approached.
“I am a student. My parents do not allow me to come home after dark and I am not allowed to go outdoors after 6pm,” he said.
A 44-year-old, Mereani Rogosau, resident of Caubati Village said having no street lights prevented people from going out.
“The taxi drivers complain about no lights and refuse to drop us to our homes,” she said.
She said people mostly use shortcuts that lead to Tacirua East and New Town.
“Four years back we lodged a complaint to Turaga-ni-koro (village headman) to take this matter to the Fiji Roads Authority, but it was not reported,” she said.
She added not only the villagers were living in fear. Other areas in Caubati had similar experiences.