FRA NOT LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGED CROPS ON ROAD RESERVES

5 October 2017

The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) is concerned with overgrown vegetation, and household waste on the road reserves.

FRA General Manager Network Operations and Maintenance Aram Goes says they are requesting with members of the public not to plant crops and store personal items such as building materials on the road reserve as they will not take any liability if the crops or property are damaged during mowing or roadside drainage clearing activities.

“The FRA contractors periodically cleans, mows and removes the overgrown weeds and self-sown trees to keep the road reserves clear of vegetation, debris and other obstructions.  People planting crops along the road do so at their own risk, as do people leaving personal property outside their private boundary”.

In addition, he said the drains on the road reserve are often overgrown and is frequently covered in household rubbish, which not only causes pollution but it also creates extra work for the contractors.

“The FRA does not encourage residents undertaking planting on the road reserves due to a number of safety reasons.  Plantings in the road reserve can restrict visibility in corners on rural roads increasing risk of vehicle collisions and in urban areas can prevent drivers from seeing pedestrians crossing from the roadside.”

Mr Goes said planting on road reserves also covers the important road signs which are crucial especially during emergencies.

“We also require clear space when we have to place temporary road signs during roadworks, if not, then this can pose safety risks as they will be less visible to oncoming vehicles.”

He said the FRA has a “Corridor Access Request” process and any member of the public wanting to carry out work on the road reserve (example: driveway construction, water connections etc.) can do so under permit, with conditions set by the FRA.  This is a free public service and these conditions are to ensure the works meet the required quality standards, are done safely and do not conflict with planned road upgrades or other activities in that location.

“We are also closely working with the town councils and ensure developers and resident’s whose activities encroach beyond their private boundaries are complying with the relevant Acts and bylaws to protect the road assets and see that the public’s safety is not compromised,” Mr Goes said.

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