Residents of Naqamekaka Settlement in Bua are celebrating a significant improvement in their transportation infrastructure, with the recent commissioning of a new community access road—an upgrade that marks the first direct vehicle access for the area in over 50 years. The road was officially opened by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Mosese Bulitavu, who emphasized the importance of connectivity for rural communities.
“This road is about restoring dignity and creating opportunity. No community should be left behind simply because of where they live,” Bulitavu stated during the inauguration ceremony. The minister highlighted that this new roadway is a landmark development for the settlement, promising to enhance the safety and ease of daily life for residents, particularly for children and farmers.
The $40,000 project, supported by the Government’s Community Access Road and Footpath Program (CARFF), replaces a previously narrow and often muddy path that posed significant risks for travel. Settlement leader Laisiasa Taukena shared the challenges faced by the community, noting that adverse weather conditions often resulted in school absences for children and dangerous delays in accessing medical care.
With the new road, farmers are now able to transport their produce more effectively, and families can access schools and healthcare services without the debilitating delays previously caused by poor infrastructure. Additionally, plans are in motion to establish a small community canteen to further enhance household incomes and provide local employment opportunities.
This development not only promises to uplift the daily lives of Naqamekaka’s residents but also demonstrates a commitment to rural development and community support, fostering hope for a more connected and prosperous future. The improvements reflect a broader initiative aimed at enhancing infrastructure in rural areas, ensuring that no one is left behind due to geographic challenges.