Villagers of Waivaka in the interior of Namosi are using bilibili rafts to cross the river following the closure of the pedestrian bridge.
Waivaka villager Petero Leveni said because of the deterioration of the bridge, they made the decision to close the bridge as a precautionary safety measure.
The bridge was officially opened in 2015 by former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama at a cost of $320,000 and was used daily by the villagers.
“We had requested that the hanging bridge be repaired,” Mr Leveni said.
“Just last week we closed the bridge and last night (Tuesday), the village headman announced to the villagers that there would be a bilibili raft to take the villagers across the river.
“We closed it because the floorboards are falling apart, some have rotted and are unsafe for people crossing, especially for our visitors who go up to the waterfall.”
The closure of the bridge will hinder the village’s hike and rock-climbing business.
“It is one of the key features of the village, but since it is very costly we hope the Government or any NGO will help repair it,” Mr Leveni added.
Acting Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica said he would look into the issue and he welcomed the villagers to his office and ministry with further questions.
For budget allocations to fix bridges in areas such as Waivaka Village, Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau said in the next budget, Ministry would re-focus on communities that do no have access to proper roads, bridges and water supply.
