Labasa Town is on the brink of substantial changes as local authorities plan to relocate the fish market and construct a new bus stand, necessitated by the impending closure of the Labasa Bridge. This major infrastructure project is expected to take between two to three years to complete.
Paul Jaduram, the chair of the Labasa Town Council, announced that the existing fish market site will be repurposed for construction activities once work on the bridge begins. The fish market is set to move to a new location, with land secured adjacent to Damodar City, across from the Grand Eastern hotel. Jaduram noted that discussions are ongoing with the Lands Ministry to finalize the required documentation. “Our teams are working around the clock to get the fish market built as soon as possible,” he stated.
In parallel, plans for the new bus stand are being developed to help ease traffic congestion stemming from the bridge’s closure. This new facility will be situated on vacant land near Damodar City, directly across from New World supermarket, and will serve residents on the western side of Labasa, including communities such as Siberia, Batinikama, Vunivau, and Basoga. Meanwhile, the existing bus stand will continue to serve the eastern corridor, catering to routes to Nabouwalu, Dreketi, Savusavu, and Naseakula.
Council officials emphasize that these planned transformations are crucial for maintaining order and ensuring accessibility during this significant infrastructure upgrade, which represents one of the largest development projects in the Northern region to date. This initiative not only reflects a commitment to enhancing transportation and market facilities but also signifies a hopeful advancement for the community of Labasa, aiming to improve the quality of life for its residents.