Emuri Crossing transforms lives
“We no longer have to wait for weeks for flood waters to recede to access basic services, it is such a relief,” Solomoni Naba, TuraqaNi-koro of Emuri Village, said of the completion of Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) -Emuri Crossing Project.
Emuri Village is located in the Nadroga/Navosa Province.
Mr Naba, 60, recalls how the villagers and their livestock faced numerous challenges due to frequent flooding of the river as it was impossible to go to the other side.
“But this new crossing has completely transformed all our lives by reducing the burden of waiting for flood waters to recede, especially during emergencies such as getting the sick to the health centres. Now the children can attend school the whole school year. Women are also able to engage in their productive activities on a daily basis. This is a great joy for us.”
He said the new crossing allows easy passage for livestock, vehicles, pedestrians and even private buses to cross safely, which was not possible before.
FRA Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Moore says their testimony provides them with further incentive to continue building resilient infrastructure that helps and supports the rural communities by improving access to basic services and facilities.
“We want all Fijians, especially women and children to be able to move safely and continue to help promote inclusive economic growth.”
He said this was a commendable work completed by their contractor Fairdeal Earthmoving Contractors Ltd.
Emuri Crossing was part of FRA’s Crossing Renewals Programme.
“The FRA has replaced five previously flood prone low-level crossings over the past 12 months with a new and more durable crossing that has already proven that it is less prone to flooding,” Mr Moore said.