Villagers from Naveilolo, Delakado, Vorovoro, Natadrave, and Nakoroni in Tailevu were unable to cross the Nailawa Bridge this morning after it collapsed following heavy rain overnight.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Kalivati Qolicokota says many residents had travelled to Nausori and Korovou yesterday to sell their produce but were forced to wait throughout the night on the other side of the bridge when they discovered it had collapsed.
Qolicokota says the villages were able to cross the broken bridge on foot this morning, however, this is dangerous.
Qolicokota says the condition of the bridge has been raised numerous times at provincial council meetings and with the government, yet no action has been taken to provide a permanent fix.
He adds that during recent heavy rain and flooding, when the bridge gives way, Gold Rock Quarry often steps in to assist villagers in rebuilding it.
He says before this support, villagers had been repairing the bridge themselves whenever it was damaged.
Residents hope urgent attention will be given to the deteriorating infrastructure to prevent further disruptions and ensure their safety.
Questions have been sent to the Fiji Roads Authority and Minister for Public Works.
