The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) is undertaking the development of a new Code of Practice aimed at enhancing the regulation of road excavations performed by utility companies such as the Water Authority and Telecommunications Fiji Ltd. This initiative was brought to light during a parliamentary session where Opposition MP Virendra Lal questioned the rationale behind permitting certain entities to excavate well-maintained roads for project or maintenance purposes.
Public Works Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau explained that while such excavation work is essential for the installation or repair of pipes and cables, the FRA enforces a permit system to oversee these activities. “Before they proceed, they must submit designs and plans for thorough review and approval by the FRA,” he noted, adding that utilities are obligated to restore roads to FRA standards after completing their work. However, he acknowledged that compliance with these standards has not consistently been observed, leading to ongoing issues that the FRA is addressing in collaboration with the entities involved.
The minister also emphasized that the new Code of Practice will rectify several longstanding issues, including outdated utility sketches, the liability for any damage incurred during excavations, and depth standards for laying infrastructure. He recounted a serious incident in Tamavua where drilling accidentally breached a water main due to poor record-keeping.
Ro Filipe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure better coordination of utility works prior to major road repairs, highlighting the active engagement between the FRA and various utility providers. This proactive approach is expected to foster more efficient infrastructure management, which has become increasingly crucial as the country faces growing demands on its road network.
The call for improvements comes on the heels of a broader push for enhanced accountability and maintenance of existing infrastructure, particularly amidst criticisms surrounding the FRA’s management of road conditions throughout Fiji. As the government takes strides toward consolidating its infrastructure initiatives, there is a promising outlook for better road safety and community connectivity moving forward.
By addressing these challenges and updating the necessary practices, the FRA aims to create a more effective and coordinated framework for road management that will ultimately benefit the citizens of Fiji.