Temporary Passage to open in Nakavu, Namosi

The Fiji Roads Authority has deployed a team to work on a temporary bridge in Nakavu, Namosi. It comes after the Waiyanitu Bridge in the village was washed away at the height of Tropical Cyclone Sarai in January.

The villagers have since waited for repairs to be done since the bridge is the only way the villagers can cross to the main road.

A statement from authority yesterday said the temporary passage is expected to open for villagers by tomorrow.

“We can confirm that we have a team on the ground working for a temporary bypass,” the statement said.

Village struggles

Nakavu villager Akata Liku said the lives and safety of all villagers, especially children were at risk.

They had to cross flooded creeks and at times strong currents to get to school or work each day.

“Most of the children and working people from the village have to be ready by 5.30am or 6am to walk from the village and then cross the creek to get onto the other side where they will be able to catch the bus to Navua or Suva,” Mrs Liku said.

“They have to find the best spot of the crrek to cross from as there is no bridge at the moment,” she said.

“During times of strong currents they have to look for a best spot that is safe to cross from.

“Some of the elderly as well that have to go get their social welfare assistance from Navua they find it very difficult to cross the river, it becomes more difficult when they return with shopping.”

She said the bridge was broken into two by strong currents as an impact of the cyclone in January.

Villagers have since waited for repairs to be done on the bridge since it is the only way to the main road.