Children of Rakiraki Village in the district of Yale, Kadavu now have an improved and safer access to and from school.
Defence Minister Inia Seruiratu commissioned a $40,000 newly-constructed footbridge under the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management’s Community Access Roads, Footpaths and Footbridges (CARFF) program on Thursday.
In a statement, Rakiraki Village headman Aisake Matanibukelevu thanked the Government for the new development and said, it was very much appreciated by the villagers as it now ensures the safety of everyone, particularly children and members of vulnerable groups.
“Previously we used to have a hanging bridge, but when it got damaged we resorted to using coconut trunks so our children could get across to school,” he said.
“However whenever it rained the creek is usually flooded and our children will not be able to attend school, but through this assistance by Government that will never happen again.
“This development has brought us much relief because it has addressed a lot of our concerns, especially in terms of safety for our children.”
Mr Seruiratu said it was always a satisfying experience to commission such projects as it had a lot of positive benefits for the villagers.
“First is the safety of the children and the women and the elderly and the vulnerable in the community because this place is always inundated with water when there is heavy rainfall and now the children can go safely to school without any major issues.
“The linkage between the communities and the school is also important because the community needs to go and assist in the school environment.
“This is also something they have been crying for a long while. In the past, they used local materials to bridge the gap so people can cross, but now that is history and we are indeed thankful that children can now be assured of their safety.”
He added the project was part of an empowerment program initiated by Government through the Ministry.
