The Hon. Minister for Local Government, Housing, Environment, Infrastructure and Transport Parveen Kumar has urged Fijians in the Northern Division to be patient with the Land Transport Authority as they have plans to bring in more services to the North.
Officiating at the opening of the new Land Transport Authority Office at the Civic Centre building in Labasa today, Minister Kumar said the office is expected to serve close to 60,000 people around Vanua Levu annually.
“LTA is again breaking new ground with the commissioning of this new revamped Labasa Town Branch office which is expected to serve close to 60,000 people annually,” Mr Kumar said.
Minister Kumar said the opening of the new office will save customers traveling time, traveling expenses and save them from incurring additional and unnecessary costs.
“Motorists from as far as Tabia and Wainikoro will no longer need to travel further to the main Vatunibali office since all services will be offered at this new town outlet, except for vehicle inspection which is currently being facilitated at the PWD ramp in Vatunibale,” Minister Kumar said.
Minister Kumar said he understood the grievances of the people and their complaints but he urged the people to be patient and work together.
“I urge every Fijian of this country and in particular Labasa to have patience and give us some time, let’s forget the past and make a fresh start with LTA,” Minister Kumar said.
He added that in a few months’ time more LTA outlets will be opened around the country making it accessible to customers.
Minister Kumar highlighted that the new Labasa office will offer a large customer service area and environment accommodating more customers at any one time.
Furthermore Minister Kumar said a permanent office site is expected to be identified for the Labasa LTA office following the completion of the Nabouwalu/ Dreketi highway.
“We must be logical and be reasonable as we make decisions and we want to be customer oriented and customer friendly, this is a priority that has been reiterated to the staff.