Opposition Member Vijay Nath has urged the government to review civil service working hours, highlighting the worsening traffic congestion affecting the Suva and Nausori corridor. He described the daily challenges faced by commuters as a significant failure in planning and governance, emphasizing that the situation has escalated beyond a mere inconvenience.
Mr. Nath pointed out that during peak hours, the journey from Nausori to Suva, covering just 40 kilometers, can take nearly two hours. This extended commute places a burden on workers, parents, students, and essential service providers, who often arrive at their destinations fatigued.
To alleviate this crisis, Mr. Nath proposed that civil service working hours be adjusted to 9 am to 5:30 pm, in contrast to the private sector’s 8 am start. He suggested that if this change is not viable, consideration should be given to revising school timings, as school traffic significantly contributes to congestion during rush hours. He recommended that employees commuting from Nausori start later at 9 am, while those based in Suva could maintain an 8 am start.
Moreover, Mr. Nath called for empowering permanent secretaries and holding them accountable for implementing policies that address the realities of commuting rather than merely serving the convenience of senior management. He advocated for flexibility in working arrangements, including senior management adopting work-from-home options to help alleviate traffic strain.
In addition, Mr. Nath recommended increasing police presence in congested areas and reducing the number of road humps to facilitate smoother traffic flow. His proposals aim to create a more efficient commuting experience, highlighting the urgent need for effective leadership and coordinated action to tackle these pressing transportation issues.