Community advocate Lesi Vanuavou has taken to social media to amplify a desperate appeal from residents of Tavua’s interior, calling for urgent assistance to construct a semi-permanent, flood-resistant bridge at Tabutabu.
In a post shared online, Mr Vanuavou relayed the concerns of villagers from Nadelei and surrounding farming communities, highlighting the repeated damage caused by flash flooding.
Flooding in the area took place yesterday afternoon after heavy rain.
“This is a heartfelt appeal from the people of the interior of Tavua, especially from Nadelei and its surrounding farming communities,” he wrote.
He said years of minor repair work on the Tabutabu crossing had failed to provide a lasting solution.
“For many years, only minor repairs have been carried out. Sadly, these have proven ineffective, failing to withstand even a slight increase in water volume after moderate to heavy downpours.”
Mr Vanuavou stressed that the bridge is critical infrastructure for the community, serving farmers, families, school children and emergency services.
“This bridge is a lifeline for farmers, families, school children, and emergency access. Without a reliable crossing, livelihoods, safety and basic mobility remain at risk.”
He called on authorities, stakeholders and development partners to act urgently, noting that images shared with the post were taken today by concerned villagers and clearly show the extent of the problem.
“We respectfully call on all relevant authorities, stakeholders and development partners to consider this urgent need and stand with our people.”
