‘One-way solution to traffic’
THE Fiji Roads Authority is maintaining its stand on the implementation of the one-way traffic route through Nadi Town’s main business centre.
FRA chief executive officer Jonathan Moore said the primary issue raised by members of the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industries was that some of the businesses at the end of the Nadi Bridge had suffered a downturn in trading.
Mr Moore said further claims of other businesses being affected within the town’s boundary were yet to be submitted to FRA from the chamber.
He explained that despite the claims, FRA had implemented proper systems to ensure traffic flowed and businesses were not drastically affected.
“We believe that having a more efficient transportation system through the town centre, coupled with 76 additional car parking spaces should benefit all businesses in the town centre,” he said.
“We have no detail on (some of their) claims.
“The NCCI had told us that they would forward the statements from 54 business owners. We have not yet received this.”
He said it was important for all parties impacted by the new traffic system to understand the reason for changes along Nadi’s main street.
“In 2018 the FRA was inundated with complaints about the severe congestion in Nadi Town Centre, with many requests to do something about it.
“At that time it could take up to 45 minutes to travel the length of the main street.
“After a review we determined that the one-way system, coupled with enforcement against jaywalking and illegal vehicle-stopping, was the most effective means of alleviating the congestion. Adding the introduction of traffic signals and signalised pedestrian crossings would further control traffic flow.”