Residents of Vaivai, Saru in Lautoka, along with staff members from Flametree, took swift action to remove a large rain tree that obstructed a bridge and hindered access to their community during heavy rainfall on Tuesday. Local resident Jay Chand, a lifelong inhabitant of the area, shared that the tree had been washed down from upstream during a significant flood last year, where it has remained near a sugarcane field.
On Monday night, the community rallied together to begin cutting branches from the fallen tree to clear the road, demonstrating their determination to restore access. By Tuesday, contractors from Flametree arrived to assist in the removal of the remaining debris. Mr. Chand commended the quick response from the advisory councillor, highlighting the importance of local leadership in crisis situations.
The bridge in question serves as the only access point for approximately 300 residents of the village, making its clearance crucial for daily transportation. Mr. Chand expressed concern over the ongoing challenge, pinpointing a lack of responsibility from individuals living upstream. He claimed that their neglect—simply cutting trees and leaving them beside the road—has contributed to the recurring blockages during heavy rain.
Furthermore, Mr. Chand noted that poor road conditions not only create access issues but also disrupt the community’s livelihood, particularly impacting the delivery of sugarcane when severe weather strikes. Despite these challenges, he recognized the efforts of Flametree personnel, who played a key role in clearing the road and supporting the community during this trying time. The collaboration between residents and local contractors reflects a strong community spirit and highlights the importance of working together to address environmental challenges.