70 students of Naqarawai in Namosi have to cross a river with the aid of a bamboo raft because they have been advised by OHS that the bridge cannot be used due to its condition.
The head teacher of Naqarawai SDA School, Ben Turner says at times students are wet when they come to school and discussions have been taking place with the villagers on the precautions they need to take to avoid students being affected by the issue.
Turner says assistance is needed to solve the issue before the rainy season.
Villager from Naqarawai, Nasoni Lutunaliwa says the elderly and children in the village are finding difficulties in trying to cross the river to catch the carrier.
Lutunaliwa says elderly people are hardly going to town because of the bridge being closed and it is difficult for them to cross the river and climb the cliff.
He says to get across, one will have to board the raft and pull the ropes tied to the raft as it glides across the water.
He says concerns have been raised with the Namosi Provincial Office and they also need support from the government.
He adds it has been two months now since the closure of the bridge.
