SUVA, Fiji (2nd May 2025): The Land Transport Authority (LTA) today received a timely donation of school patrol equipment from TotalEnergies Marketing (Fiji) Pte Ltd, aimed at enhancing road safety—particularly in and around school zones.
LTA Chief Operating Officer Faiyum Ali received the timely boost from TotalEnergies Marketing (Fiji) Pte Ltd Managing Director Bhavana Samel LTA headquarters in Valelevu, Nasinu.
Mr Ali expressed sincere appreciation to TotalEnergies Fiji for their generous and timely support toward enhancing public safety. The school patrol equipment includes cones, A-frames, reflector vest and lollipop signs.
“We are extremely grateful to TotalEnergies for stepping forward with this donation. It directly supports our ongoing road safety programmes, especially for our children who are among the most vulnerable road users,” he said.
“School zones are among the most vulnerable areas on our roads, and it is essential that we take every possible step to protect the children who use these crossings every day.
“This donation of school patrol equipment helps us achieve that goal by providing the necessary tools to keep both children and school staff safe.”
Mr Ali said the Authority had received more than 500 sets of school patrol items, which had greatly benefitted schools in the two main islands enabling children to cross roads without fear of being hit by motorists.
“Road safety isn’t just about building safer roads — it’s about creating a culture of awareness and responsibility. Every child and every motorist must understand the importance of being alert, especially in school zones. These tools are a vital part of that message,” he said.
He said good road safety habits must be instill in children from from a young age.
“This is why our road safety education programmes in schools are so vital. We teach children the importance of looking both ways, following crossing guard instructions, and using pedestrian crossings. But, just as importantly, we need motorists to respect these areas and understand that children are at risk when they are near roads,” he said.
LTA Manager Road Safety Education, Watilala Fonu, said TotalEnergies Fiji had been a consistent and valued partner for over a decade, and the Authority was truly grateful for their support.
“Their donations have reached countless schools, equipping students with the tools they need to cross roads safely and building a strong foundation of road safety awareness,” she said.
“We prioritise high-risk areas but also ensure rural schools are not left behind. Alongside equipment distribution, we also conduct training for both teachers and students to ensure these resources are used effectively.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility, and every measure we take now helps prevent future tragedies. The presence of this equipment alone encourages safer driver behavior around school zones,” she said.
TotalEnergies Marketing (Fiji) Pte Ltd Managing Director Ms Samel said the company was committed to promoting awareness and education on road safety.
She said when she first arrived in Fiji, she saw young children standing by the roadside volunteering to manage traffic and protect their fellow students.
“It truly moved me. Supporting this initiative is more than just a professional obligation; it’s a responsibility—both personal and corporate—to safeguard the future of Fiji,” Ms Samel said.
“These students aren’t just going to school—they are Fiji’s future, and it’s our collective duty to ensure they do so in a safe environment.”
