Chairman, Land Transport Authority Board,
Land Transport Authority Board of Directors,
Chief Executive Officer, Land Transport Authority,
Land Transport Authority Staff
Fellow Fijians,
Bula, and a very good morning to you all.
It is a pleasure to be here today in Lami to officially open the new Land Transport Authority (LTA) office. This office is a prime location for the business community, Lami and nearby residents.
The new office will give Fijians access to LTA’s services within their locality. It is worth noting that between May 2019 and May 2020, LTA processed over 900,000 transactions in eight locations in the Central Division alone.
The Lami office, plays a vital role in processing customer transactions. The Office processes more than 9,000 customer transactions per month.
Some of the main transactions/services undertaken at the Lami Office include:
- Vehicle Registration;
- Driver License Application;
- Learners permit Application;
- Driver license Renewal; and
- Fine Payments.
This office is a fundamental part of LTA’s customer service reform with the objective to provide Fijians better access to LTA services. Previously, customers from Lami had to travel to the LTA office in Suva.
As the new Minister for Transport, I have set the policy direction for LTA. There is a new direction for LTA, a direction that is focused on being the best organisation that is focused on customer service.
I wish to reiterate the message I have conveyed to the CEO and the Board of LTA.
This message is simply:
- Improvement of customer service. As a customer service organisation, LTA’s paramount goal is to enhance the service delivery and ensure customers are satisfied with the service;
- Embrace technology for a more transparent and on-time service delivery. LTA Customers should be able to access services and pay for those services from the comfort of their homes and not stand in lines at an office; and
- Good Governance – being accountable for your actions.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Fijian Government, through its digital transformation intention, has introduced LTA’s Online services for customers to control their information at the palm of their hands. This, effectively enables customers to carry out LTA transactions with the newly launched online services.
Subsequently, from 18 May this year, LTA has registered over 60,000 customers to the world of doing business Online through its e-Services platform and LTA smartphone app.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
LTA has traditionally been responsible for implementing the safety of all public road users, by the means of:
- Establishing standards for registration and licensing;
- Controlling, coordinating, planning and implementing road safety in Fiji, and;
- Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of programs and strategies of the organisation to name a few.
An estimated 1.3 million people die each year from road fatalities and a further 10 million are injured as a result of road accidents globally. Speeding, is the major cause of road fatalities in Fiji. Therefore, it is incumbent on all road users especially vehicle owners and drivers to practice safety on our roads at all times.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Fiji Government through the 5-Year and 20-Year National Development Plan aims to modernise the land transport sector through robust transport systems. Emission standards and energy efficiency for transport will be a key priority.
On Sunday, the Hon. Prime Minister alluded to the “new normal” for Fiji, in building resilience to COVID 19. This means that we still need to be mindful of risks of transmitting the virus, which desolately has no cure.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Efficient internal transport and logistics infrastructure and system are essential to support economic activity in Fiji, including the tourism industry and other vital export industries. Hence, the role of Ministry of Transport and LTA is critical in this time of post-COVID economic recovery. The key focus for the Ministry and LTA will be reduction of traffic congestion, reducing of burden on customers and better service delivery.
The Ministry with the support from key stakeholders, such as LTA and FRA, will review the existing draft National Transport Sector Plan and develop a new Plan. This comprehensive plan will lay the policy direction for the Fijian Government and all stakeholders. You the customers are critical to the development of the Plan and your input in the process is very important.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Coming back to the opening today, which I want to re-emphasise is your Government’s effort to improve services for you.
I encourage staff and customers to continue practising social distancing and ensure you are protected at all times whilst visiting the LTA office. By adhering to health advisories and COVID 19 protocols, we will prevent the transmission of this virus which has changed the landscape of basically everything we do.
I respectfully invite all businesses and residents in Walu Bay and the greater Lami area to make use of this opportunity and capitalise on the services provided by LTA.
With those few words, I officially declare the LTA Lami Harbour Point Office open.
Thank you and Vinaka vakalevu.