Parliamentarian Kalaveti Ravu has called for urgent government action to address critical infrastructure gaps in rural Ra, where students of Toki Village are forced to cross dangerous rivers to get to school because the lack of proper crossings.
Mr Ravu told Parliament that during the rainy season, the river becomes dangerous but because students still need to attend school, they have no choice but to cross.
“During the rainy season, the river becomes impassable, isolating families, especially schoolchildren, who are forced to cross the dangerous water to attend school on the main road,” Mr Ravu said.
“This is unacceptable — the safety and accessibility of our children must be prioritised.
“I call upon the authorities to expedite the construction of a safe Irish crossing or bridge to ensure safe passage for all.”
Mr Ravu said the same issue is faced by villagers of Nararavou in Saivou, Ra.
“In Saivou, Ra, the village of Nararavou urgently needs an Irish crossing to ensure safe and reliable access to its residents.
“Additionally, the road from Tokaimalo district to Nananu Village and outwards to Yaqara requires immediate construction and improvement.
“These routes are vital for daily movement, economic activities, and access to essential services. Their current condition hampers the progress of our people.”
Mr Ravu has also called on the Government to urgently address long-standing infrastructure and service delivery gaps in Nakorotubu, Ra, where many families continue to live without reliable access to electricity, roads or safe river crossings.
“The EFL (Energy Fiji Ltd) grid extension from Wailailai, Bucalevu, Nakorotubu in Ra and Sovusovu settlement requires serious attention.
“The stretch from Mataso to Naocobau, in particular, is problematic. Many families in this area still lack reliable access to electricity which hampers their daily lives and economic activities.
“I request that action be taken to complete this extension which will improve the living conditions and economic opportunities of our people.”
He urged the Government and relevant authorities to prioritise basic infrastructure for these rural and remote communities, as poor conditions hamper progress for those in the rural areas.
