THE group of students in Taveuni who stayed home early this week after transport providers stopped services returned to school yesterday.
The 71 students of Qila farming settlement were provided transport yesterday after repair works started on the two kilometre stretch from the Welagi main road. Farmers and parents of the settlement met with government officials on Monday afternoon to discuss the situation. The officials included Taveuni district officer Iliesa Tuitubou, police officers and Land Transport Authority officials.
Qila advisory councillor Hemant Prakash said the meeting was a success. "It was a fruitful meeting and our students have all returned to school. We hope the repair works improve the road condition because motorists fear for their lives especially the passengers' lives while using the road. The rain has washed away the road surface leaving deep holes and it is not safe to use," Mr Prakash said.
Fiji Road Authority spokesman Iliesa Sokia said the department would continue to improve the rough surface at Qila Rd.
"The FRA depot in Taveuni is waiting for a grader from Saqani depot this weekend to help improve the three kilometre rough surface that was soggy, boggy and slippery last week forcing carriers to stop servicing this route."