Hundreds of people living in the interior of Navosa are now benefiting from significantly reduced travel times and improved access to essential services following the completion of two new roads commissioned by Government.
The newly completed Nasaucoko Community Access Road has cut travel time between the highland district of Namataku and Vatumali Government Station from around three hours to just 30 minutes.
The road serves five villages and more than 830 people, providing easier access to healthcare, government services, schools and markets.
Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mosese Bulitavu commissioned the $300,000 project, which was funded under the Ministry's Rural Outer Island Development Programme.
Bulitavu says the investment reflects Government's commitment to ensuring no community is left behind by bringing development closer to rural areas through improved connectivity and service delivery.
He says better roads not only improve access to essential services but also create new economic opportunities for farmers and businesses.
Mata ni Tikina Namataku Epeli Vamosi says the road is a dream realised for generations of people who had long advocated for better access.
Vamosi says the new road has already made a significant difference, with ambulances now able to transport patients more efficiently while farmers have easier access to markets to sell their produce.
In another boost for rural communities, Bulitavu also commissioned the Lalati Settlement Farm Access Road in Noikoro.
Built at a cost of more than $140,000 under the same programme, the road will provide safer and more reliable access to farms, markets and essential services for families in the district.
Government says both projects are aimed at strengthening connectivity, improving service delivery and creating greater economic opportunities for rural communities in Navosa.
