SUVA, Fiji (18 March 2025): The Land Transport Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, kicked off the first of three nationwide public consultations yesterday in Suva on the revamping of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) as an independent statutory body.
This important initiative highlights the Government’s dedication to improving road safety, minimizing accidents, and promoting a culture of accountability among all road users. It also aligns with the Fiji National Development Plan 2025-2029, which prioritizes the reconvening of the National Road Safety Council to coordinate nationwide efforts in addressing road safety challenges.
During the Central-Eastern Public Consultation at the Lower Civic Center in Suva, LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa emphasized the importance of this transition, stating that road safety was not just a responsibility but a shared commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring safer roads for all Fijians.
“As we embark on this initiative, we recognise the critical role the NRSC has played since its establishment and the necessity of restoring its autonomy to effectively fulfill its mandate,” Mr Rokosawa said.
“The NRSC was originally established by Act of Parliament No.18 of 1994 and officially began operations in January 1995. Its primary mission was to develop and implement a comprehensive road safety management system while overseeing policies that promote safer roads in Fiji.
“However, in August 2010, the NRSC was merged with the LTA to streamline operations and ensure compliance with traffic laws. This merger aimed to address key road safety concerns such as speeding, drunk driving, and vehicle fitness.
“While well-intended, the integration of NRSC within the LTA presented challenges. Given that LTA’s core function has always been regulatory and enforcement-focused, road safety education and awareness took a secondary role.”
Mr Rokosawa said resource constraints and limited funding further hindered road safety advocacy efforts, leading to a decline in essential public awareness campaigns.
As road safety concerns have continued to rise, he said it had become increasingly evident that a dedicated body was needed to drive education, advocacy, and policy development with renewed focus and commitment.
“Recognising these challenges, the Fijian Government is proposing to re-establish the NRSC as an independent statutory body with a clear and dedicated mandate. This transformation will allow the NRSC to focus exclusively on road safety education, advocacy, and policy development, while the LTA will continue to oversee regulatory and enforcement functions,” Mr Rokosawa said.
“Restoring the NRSC’s autonomy will ensure that road safety initiatives receive the attention and resources they deserve. This separation will provide clarity in roles, strengthen leadership, and enhance accountability. With a dedicated NRSC, we can implement more effective educational campaigns, promote behavioral change programs, and strengthen stakeholder co-ordination.”
He said the revamp would also emphasize stronger collaborations with key stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations. These partnerships would enable Fiji to proactively address emerging road safety challenges and implement best practices tailored to local needs.
“Public consultation will be an integral part of this process. Insights and perspectives from the public will help refine the NRSC’s strategic direction and ensure that our collective vision for road safety is inclusive, effective, and sustainable. We are committed to engaging with communities, industry representatives, and road users to gather valuable insights that will shape the Council’s strategic direction.”
Key stakeholders will be present at the consultation sessions to assist with related queries, offer support and provide expert advice regarding the revamping of the NRSC.
Mr Rokosawa urged members of the public to attend the public consultations in the Western Division at the Lautoka Girmit Center on Wednesday, 19th March and Labasa Civic Center in the Northern Division on Friday, 21st March from 2pm-4.30pm.
