Government and major corporate entities are urged to consider the adoption of flexible working hours and remote work options to alleviate the significant traffic congestion experienced across the country. This topic was highlighted during a recent State of Economy breakfast event held at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.
Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Ariff Ali addressed concerns raised by a delegate, revealing that the central bank has already implemented flexible hours, allowing employees the option to start their day earlier and leave work in the afternoon. In discussions with staff, Ali noted that many employees spend over two hours commuting to and from work each day, which can lead to a total of three to four hours lost in transit.
“These are young individuals with families, and as an economist, I consider this a substantial waste of resources when productivity could be significantly increased,” Ali remarked. He stressed the necessity for both the government and large corporations to explore these solutions seriously, as the current commuting patterns involve a large part of the workforce.
Ali further advocated for the decentralization of government offices, suggesting that facilities be distributed between areas like Nasinu and Nakasi to alleviate congestion in the capital, Suva. He emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the traffic issue.
Adding to the conversation, Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel acknowledged the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle traffic congestion nationwide. He provided insights into upcoming infrastructure plans, including traffic diversions and a new bridge in Labasa, while mentioning that proposals for the Suva-Nausori corridor are still under review.
The push towards adopting flexible work arrangements and improving infrastructure signifies a proactive approach to enhancing both productivity and quality of life for workers, potentially leading to a more efficient movement across urban areas. As awareness of these issues grows, there’s hope for effective solutions that benefit both the workforce and the community as a whole.