Residents along the Rotary Club Link Road in Nailaga, Ba have reason to celebrate after the commissioning of a new access road funded under the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management’s Rural Outer Island (ROI) Development Programme at a cost of over $90,000.
After years of walking nearly a kilometre daily through muddy tracks while carrying groceries and covering children in plastic to keep their school uniforms clean, residents say the new road brings a long-awaited end to their daily struggles.
A resident residing in the area, Arieta Degei, says this has been a long time coming, as she has lived there for 25 years and has had to struggle with poor access every day.
Degei says the track was often impassable for vehicles, especially during wet weather.
Degei, who also serves as the community nurse, says reaching patients during bad weather was often difficult and dangerous, but now, with this support from the Government, they are thankful, happy, and truly grateful, as this new road will change lives in their community.
Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Jovesa Vocea says the project reflected the Coalition Government’s commitment to rural development and ensuring all Fijians had equal access to services.
While officiating at the opening of the new access road, Vocea says this road will connect the residents to opportunity, safety, and dignity.
He says this project reflects the principle that no matter where people live, they deserve equal access.
