YOU’VE got to hand it to the people of Savusavu. They’ve got a spot to fight for.
This little urban centre on the fringes of the south eastern end of Vanua Levu is quiet.
Savusavu is blessed with an abundance of everything. Well, almost everything. From fresh fruits and vegetables to the amazing array of seafood, Savusavu is special.
And it’s definitely cheaper than whatever is sold in the Capital City for instance.
Life is laid-back. The people are friendly and there is something about Savusavu that continues to attract attention, luring people here.
There is an amazing mix of culture and traditions here.
There is a strong Western influence intertwined firmly with the rich traditions and customs of the people of Savusavu.
This is where two very different worlds meet smack bang in the middle of an area that has long been tagged the Hidden Paradise of Fiji.
To the north-east are white sandy beaches with sprinklings of little islets jutting out in clear blue waters that overlook Lomaiviti.
The roads to the upper reaches of Cakaudrove, whichever route you choose to take, be it along the East Coast Road that hugs the Natewa Bay, or the old Hibiscus Highway will take you over a landscape that is rich with green to one side and the waters of Natewa Bay or Buca Bay on the opposite side. There is huge potential here.
Grand wooden homes on hills overlooking the waters off Lomaiviti just outside Savusavu past the little airport are reminders of the wealthy who have chosen to retire here.
They serve as firm reminders of the beauty of Savusavu.
Roadworks starting at the fork that separate the two roads leading to upper Cakaudrove have eased travelling time and inched out a sense of relief on the part of commuters from Navatu right up to Korotasere, and on to Vanuavou and parts of Saqani along the East Coast portion, and from Nagigi upwards to Kasavu along the Hibiscus Highway.
It is shocking though that in this thriving corner of Vanua Levu which also serves as a major transit point for travellers on our many ferries that make the journey from Suva to Savusavu, there is no rest room at its jetty.
Passengers waiting to catch vessels to Suva have to sit or stand in the open and are left to the whims of mother nature.
There is no rest room, no toilets and no shelter to protect the elderly, children, infants, teenagers and adults from the elements.
On “ferry day” passengers are expected to be survivors, braving the rain, sun, heat, cold, and overpowering humidity, sometimes for many hours as they await their “ride”.
It is an unfortunate reminder of how life can be so cruel sometimes.
The onus is on the movers and shakers to do something about this.
