MINISTER for Public Works and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau confirmed yesterday that emergency teams had been mobilised to respond to the damaged Nailawa bridge in Dawasamu, Tailevu and assist villagers.
The team was alerted after a flash flood on Saturday night damaged the crossing.
“Yes, we are aware and emergency teams are currently being mobilised to address the situation ASAP for a temporary measure by tonight (last night),” he said.
“FRA is working on the outdated infrastructure to continue to upgrade as we move forward.
“Nailawa bridge was due for upgrading with procurements for upgraded box culverts in process and related strengthening. In the meantime, temporary measure mobilisation is now underway.”
The crossing is the only link from Delakado, Natadradave, Vorovoro, and Naveilolo villages to the main highway.
Last week, a team from this newspaper visited the area and was informed of the villagers’ concern about the bridge’s condition.
Villagers said the bridge had been submerged during heavy rain for many years and had never received a permanent fix despite repeated pleas.
Vehicles cannot cross the bridge now, forcing residents to wade across the river. Photos on social media showed villagers carrying groceries, school bags and other supplies through waist-deep water, while others helped children cross the strong current to reach transport on the other side.
Naveilolo villager Filimoni Masivulo said families have endured the same struggle for years.
“We have begged for this bridge to be fixed for so many years, and every time there is heavy rain, it gets covered again.
“Yesterday we had to carry our shopping and the children through the water, it is dangerous, but we do not have any other way to reach the highway.”
Villagers hope temporary repairs will begin soon.
