A villager from Dreke Village has renewed calls for a permanent bridge after continuous heavy rain caused floodwaters to rise rapidly, cutting off access to the community.
Melania Rakanace Tadrau told The Fiji Times that the situation witnessed on Wednesday was both sad and concerning, with elders forced to carry school children across rising waters to ensure their safety.
Ms Tadrau said the lack of a bridge had been a long-standing issue that had affected villagers for decades.
“The village urgently needs a bridge to allow safe access, especially during heavy rainfall. Whenever it rains, the water level rises very quickly, cutting off the only access route to the village. There is no alternative road or crossing available,” she said.
She added that the situation placed villagers at serious risk and made it extremely difficult for families, school children, workers and the elderly to travel in and out of the village.
She has called on Government and relevant authorities to urgently address the issue and assist with the construction of a proper bridge.
“This would greatly improve safety, accessibility and the wellbeing of the Dreke Village community,” she said.
