Opposition Member Vijay Nath has called on the government to reconsider civil service working hours in light of escalating traffic congestion affecting the Suva and Nausori corridor. He characterized the challenges faced by daily commuters as a significant breakdown in planning and governance, arguing that the situation has developed into a serious concern rather than a mere inconvenience.
Mr. Nath noted that during peak hours, a simple 40-kilometer journey from Nausori to Suva can take nearly two hours. This extended commute creates strain for workers, parents, students, and essential service providers, who often reach their destinations feeling exhausted.
To address this growing crisis, Mr. Nath proposed modifying civil service working hours to 9 am to 5:30 pm, contrasting with the private sector’s typical 8 am start. If shifting working hours proves impractical, he suggested re-evaluating school schedules to mitigate the traffic caused by school runs during rush hours. Specifically, he advocated for employees commuting from Nausori to begin work later at 9 am, while those in Suva could continue with an 8 am start.
Additionally, Mr. Nath emphasized the importance of empowering permanent secretaries to implement policies that take commuter realities into account rather than simply catering to the convenience of senior management. He suggested introducing flexible working arrangements, including options for senior management to work from home to help reduce traffic congestion.
Furthermore, Mr. Nath recommended enhancing police visibility in traffic-heavy areas and decreasing the number of road humps to facilitate smoother traffic flow. His proposals underscore the urgent need for decisive leadership and coordinated measures to confront these pressing transportation challenges, ultimately aiming to improve the commuting experience for all. By advocating for changes in hours and working arrangements, Mr. Nath hopes to foster a collaborative environment that prioritizes the well-being of commuters while addressing systemic issues within the current transportation framework.