Passengers traveling from the West to Suva were fortunate to escape unharmed after a bus they were on was stoned near Naboro on Thursday night. Salesh Nand, the manager for Pacific Transport Ltd., confirmed that this was the second stoning incident in the same location and at a similar time, raising significant concerns about passenger safety.
Mr. Nand reported that no one was injured during the attack, which occurred around 10 PM. However, the company is now reassessing the viability of its evening bus services between the West and Suva due to safety concerns. “We are worried about the safety of our passengers and driver. After this latest incident, we will need to assess the situation,” he stated.
The damage to the bus has been estimated at approximately $3,000, and the driver has since reported the incident to the police at the Lami Police Station. While emergency resources promptly responded, there has been no comment from police regarding investigations into this particular incident.
This event aligns with a troubling trend of violence against public transport vehicles in Fiji. Recently, similar incidents have resulted in significant disruptions to services. For instance, operators in Labasa have suspended evening routes due to ongoing safety concerns stemming from stoning attacks, which have led to fears among drivers regarding their work conditions.
Community members have expressed frustration, which may correlate with these violent occurrences, reflecting a broader issue of public transport safety that authorities recognize as needing urgent attention. Local leaders are advocating for stricter penalties against those responsible for such acts, highlighting the danger posed to both drivers and passengers.
In light of these incidents, stakeholders stress the importance of collaboration between bus operators, law enforcement, and the community to create proactive safety measures. There remains hope that by working together, these groups can cultivate a safer environment for public transport use, ensuring that commuters feel secure on their journeys. Increased awareness and community involvement may pave the way for improved conditions, restoring public trust in essential transportation services.