For students of Navunikabi Catholic School in Namosi, returning to the classroom this week meant wading through the rough waters of the Wainikoroiluva River. For many parents, it was a trip down memory lane – and a stark reminder of an ongoing challenge in Saliadrau Village.
“My parents used to carry me across this same river so I could go to school,” said Mosese Likutibi, as he guided his daughter, Karita, across the fast-flowing waters. “Now I am doing the same for her.”
Parents say the daily river crossing has become a routine necessity, as the bridge linking the village remains unfinished. The incomplete infrastructure forces families to escort children to school both in the morning and after classes, a task made even more difficult while renovations at the school hostel mean students must travel from home each day.
Village headman Kusitino Vuata explained that the bridge project began in January last year but halted in October while awaiting imported materials. Although the government has assured residents the bridge will be completed this year, villagers say the delay continues to put children at risk. “We hope the work can be sped up for the sake of our children,” Mr Vuata said. He added that a request for a small boat to transport students safely across the river has so far gone unfulfilled.
