Luganville Taxi Drivers Say Beautification Project Slowing Business

July 13, 2026 11:13 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Nicholas Mwai.

A number of taxi drivers in Luganville are raising concerns that the town’s recent beautification project, while improving the appearance of the central business district, has unintentionally increased traffic congestion and reduced their daily earnings.

Several drivers, who spoke to the Daily Post on the condition of anonymity, said the landscaped median strip with flowers installed along the main street has narrowed traffic flow, resulting in longer travel times and fewer trips each day.

One driver said the project has made the town more attractive but has also created unexpected challenges for those who rely on the roads for their livelihoods.

“They made this to make Luganville look beautiful, but it causes a lot of traffic in the main town,” the driver said.

The driver said that before the beautification works, many taxi operators could meet their daily income target by around 6p.m. However, increasing congestion now forces them to work later into the evening to earn the same amount.

“At first, we made the money we expected by around 6 p.m., and that was it for us — we could go back home. Now we have to drive a bit later to reach the amount we usually made before the beautification.”

The driver explained that, unlike Port Vila, Luganville has fewer businesses operating into the evening, limiting opportunities to pick up passengers after dark.

“Stores here in Luganville are not like Port Vila, where many stay open until 8 p.m. Only one or two shops are open late, and there aren’t many people around at night. We mostly make our money during the day, especially during the evening rush, but traffic causes us to spend too much time waiting on the road.”

Another taxi driver said using alternative streets behind the town is not a practical solution because there are few passengers in those areas.

“We can drive on the roads behind town, but there aren’t many passengers there. We only use them to drop people off before returning to the main road and joining the traffic again.”

Drivers also identified the number of pedestrian crossings as another contributor to congestion.

One driver said motorists are required to stop frequently to allow pedestrians to cross, slowing traffic through the town centre.

“There are too many zebra crossings. Drivers have to give way to pedestrians, but it slows traffic a lot. There should only be two or three zebra crossings in town.”

The driver claimed there are currently four pedestrian crossings along the main street and said some pedestrians cross individually rather than in groups, causing vehicles to remain stopped for extended periods. “People cross whenever they want, and sometimes drivers have to wait two or three minutes before moving again. That creates long queues behind us.”

To improve traffic flow while maintaining pedestrian safety, one driver suggested installing traffic lights at pedestrian crossings or assigning traffic officers to manage crossings during busy periods.

“The authorities should introduce traffic lights at the zebra crossings so traffic can move more smoothly, or have a traffic officer there to allow groups of five or ten pedestrians to cross before letting vehicles continue.” The driver also recommended installing pedestrian-activated crossing signals similar to those used in other countries.

“A button that pedestrians press to activate a red light for vehicles would be much better. It would give people time to cross safely while allowing traffic to keep flowing.”

The Daily Postwill seek comment from the Luganville Municipal Council regarding the concerns raised by taxi drivers and the traffic management measures introduced as part of the town beautification project.