The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund is expanding its investment portfolio as part of efforts to reduce its reliance on revenue generated from the national fuel levy.
Chief Executive Officer Rosalia Martins-Hausiku said the fund has begun rolling out an investment programme aimed at strengthening its financial sustainability and supporting operational costs.
The MVA Fund currently relies heavily on a fuel levy of 47.7 cents per litre, which remains its primary source of income.
“What we have done is that we have an investment programme that we are rolling out and we are starting to get a bit of money from our investments,” Martins-Hausiku said.
She said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to diversify the institution’s income streams and improve long-term financial stability.
“We are also trying to grow an investment portfolio that supports the running of our operations as well, but currently we are dependent on a few sources,” she said.
Alongside strengthening its financial position, the fund continues to invest in road safety initiatives aimed at reducing accidents and the long-term financial burden associated with road crash injuries.
Martins-Hausiku said pedestrian safety has emerged as a major concern following recent research conducted by the fund.
“The issue of safety has been a challenge for us and most of our educational initiatives are focused on pedestrian safety and the role that drivers play in protecting pedestrians,” she said.
She noted that pedestrians involved in vehicle collisions often suffer severe injuries that require long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
“When a human being is involved in a collision, the chances of survival are very slim and those who survive often live with lifelong conditions that we have to manage,” Martins-Hausiku said.
As part of its prevention strategy, the fund has been rolling out defensive driving training programmes targeting companies and members of the public.
“You are driving and suddenly you experience a pedestrian or another vehicle overtaking in front of you. How should you react as the driver? We are really saying how can you create a forgiving environment so that you somehow get back control of your driving circumstances,” she said.
The fund said improving road safety awareness and driver behaviour remains central to its long-term strategy to reduce road crashes and the financial pressure associated with accident-related claims.
The programme forms part of broader workplace road safety initiatives, where the fund partners with companies to train employees and promote responsible driving practices.
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer John Haufiku said the organisation is also working with authorities to support wider road safety reforms.
“The ministry is really serious about training and behavioural change in society and we want the media to understand the safety initiatives that are being implemented,” Haufiku said.
He added that the defensive driving programme has already trained more than 100 drivers, with plans to expand participation in the coming months.
“The idea is not only to increase the numbers but to focus on quality so that drivers truly understand road safety and the risks they face on the road,” he said.
