Taveuni residents demand action on island services ahead of national budget

Residents and farmers on the Fijian island of Taveuni are demanding urgent government action to address significant infrastructure gaps. Ahead of the national budget, the Taveuni Residents & Farmers Association submitted a formal request outlining critical needs for approximately 17,000 affected islanders. The submission highlights the severely damaged Somosomo–Dalaivuna–Navakawau road, plagued by potholes and washouts that impede farm transport, school commutes, and healthcare access. Concerns are also raised about the poor condition of the Nalele and Nayalayala bridges, essential for school buses and farm trucks, requiring immediate repair or replacement.

Water supply in South Taveuni remains unreliable, impacting households, schools, and farms, particularly during dry spells. Limited electricity access across parts of the island restricts farming, processing, and basic services. Furthermore, higher fuel costs on Taveuni increase transport expenses for families and businesses. The association also pointed to safety issues along the Somosomo–Wairiki road, noting the absence of footpaths and street lighting, which endangers pedestrians, especially students and the elderly.

The group is also calling for the development of a public market and improved transport facilities, as farmers currently sell produce roadside due to a lack of infrastructure. Public disorder in Naqara, Waiyevo, and Wairiki is another concern addressed in the submission. The association believes targeted investment in these areas before the national budget is delivered this Friday will significantly improve safety, bolster the agricultural sector, and stimulate economic activity across Taveuni.