Children in Lawaki Village on Nairai Island in Lomaiviti can now travel to school more safely following the construction of a new foot crossing in the community.
The project was commissioned by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Mosese Bulitavu and funded through the Community Access Roads, Footpaths and Footbridges Programme (CARFF), which supports infrastructure development in rural and maritime areas.
Lawaki Village Women’s Group leader Laite Lavua says mothers were always worried about their children’s safety when travelling to school.
She says that before the foot crossing was built, villagers relied on a coconut trunk to cross the waterway.
She says during heavy rain or high tide, the trunk would often be submerged, making it dangerous for children travelling to school, and families had to use a school boat to transport the children safely.
Lavua says parents are grateful that the Government recognised the challenges their children faced and built a safer crossing.
Speaking during the project commissioning, Bulitavu emphasised that no child should have to risk their safety just to get to school.
He says the new crossing has brought relief to families in Lawaki Village, giving parents peace of mind that their children can now travel to school safely regardless of the weather or tide.
He adds that the new foot crossing reflects the Government’s commitment to improving access to education and essential services for rural and maritime communities.
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