A resident of Dreke Village has reiterated the pressing need for a permanent bridge after heavy rainfall led to rapid flooding, isolating the community once again. Melania Rakanace Tadrau expressed her concerns to The Fiji Times, highlighting a troubling scenario that unfolded on Wednesday. During this incident, elderly villagers had to wade through rising waters to carry school children to safety, underscoring the urgent nature of the situation.
Ms. Tadrau pointed out that the lack of a bridge has been a persistent issue, impacting the villagers for decades. “The village urgently needs a bridge to allow safe access, especially during heavy rainfall. Whenever it rains, the water level rises very quickly, cutting off the only access route to the village. There is no alternative road or crossing available,” she stated.
The absence of proper infrastructure places the community in jeopardy, complicating transportation for families, children, workers, and the elderly during critical times. Ms. Tadrau has appealed to the Government and relevant authorities to expedite the construction of a reliable bridge. Such an infrastructure improvement would significantly enhance safety and accessibility for the Dreke Village residents, fostering their overall wellbeing.
The call for infrastructure improvement echoes wider themes regarding the need for enhanced community safety measures in response to increasingly erratic weather patterns. By prioritizing such initiatives, local authorities could not only safeguard the villagers but also empower them with improved connectivity and resilience against natural challenges in the future.