New village driveway resolves access, safety issues in Fiji's Ovalau Island

Residents of the Nadawa Melanesian Community on Ovalau Island are celebrating the completion of a new village driveway, which resolves long-standing access and safety concerns. The upgrade has significantly eased mobility issues for 12 households and enhanced safety, particularly during periods of heavy rain.

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During rainy days, it became very difficult for our elders and children to move around safely.

Community representative Sitiri Wainiqolo highlighted the difficulties posed by the old pathway, which often became unusable in wet weather. "During rainy days, it became very difficult for our elders and children to move around safely," she stated. The new driveway ensures that residents can now move freely, even in adverse weather conditions, and allows vehicles to reach the settlement.

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residents can now move freely during bad weather.

The project was a collaborative effort, funded by the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs under the Multi-Ethnic Grant Programme, with the community contributing the necessary labor. This partnership has not only improved daily life by making travel easier but has also enhanced access to essential services. The community expressed gratitude to the Ministry, acknowledging that the project addressed a persistent problem they were unable to solve independently.

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vehicles can now reach the settlement.