What the $3m Road Means for Namata
The $3 million road infrastructure in Namata District will now provide safer and better road access to many. Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama made this possible by commissioning the new road bypass yesterday. Mr Bainimarama said the project was a money well spent because it would ease transportation problems for villagers.
“It will be safer for the children who must use the roads to walk to school, and easier for the farmers who need good roads to get their produce to the market and to bring in the supplies and equipment they need,” he said. PM Bainimarama said the road was a new lifeline and path to a better future for children and farmers of nearby villages.
More than 1,000 people of Namata Village and the Matadawa Rural Settlement will greatly benefit from the initiative.
“Improving access to the main road networks for rural communities helps tie them more effectively into our national economy and our national life,” he said.
“It is just one way of ending the isolation and disadvantage that many rural communities feel.”
Village headman, Jolame Vakalolovou said the Government funded roads would be a great relief for them because road conditions in the past had affected many travelling plans.
“It may have taken time, but with patience and a resilient spirit, we are able to see the outcome of working together with the Government of the day,” Mr Vakalolovou said. Namata villager, Unaisi Kaloutagigi, said in the past children had to cross flooded rivers and walk muddy unlevel roads to get to school.
“Our children had to change at least twice or thrice a day just to get to school, but now, they are able to be dropped off in school and at home and for that I am thankful to the Government,” the 72-year-old said.
Meanwhile, officials from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services were present in Namata doing COVID-19 vaccine registrations.
Talanoa Session
Mr Vakalolovou during the talanoa session asked if the Government would look into a future partnership in building a seawall around the village coastline.
“Climate change is an issue that has worried many of us and one thing we have seen is the sea level rising and it tends to wash into village grounds,” Mr Vakalolovou said.
The Water Authority of Fiji is investigating the low water pressure around Namata as complaints were heard before the Prime Minister.
Villagers also requested for taxi permits to be given to those who have applied. Land Transport Authority representative said 34 zones have been given permits and they will soon give out permits under the Nausori zone which Namata falls under.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports have made plans with the community heads about building a playground and gym for the youths of Namata District. A land consent from the village is yet to be given to the Sports Department for plans to begin.
Upgrade of the village hall as it has been used many times as an evacuation centre during disasters.
Villagers and bus companies are in discussion for more buses to travel to Namata Village.