Residents of Vuiraqilai Village in Sasa, Macuata are grappling with significant challenges stemming from the lack of proper road access, a situation they contend has existed since the village’s establishment. For 63-year-old Teresa Dimere, the issues hit particularly close to home; she recalls the struggles beginning shortly after her marriage in 1984. Despite numerous appeals over the decades, the community has yet to see a permanent resolution to their ongoing road problems.
Dimere highlights the difficulties faced by her family, particularly as they navigate her husband’s diabetes, which necessitates monthly hospital visits for medical reviews. Each trip places a financial strain on the family, costing around $120, a substantial amount for a household relying on Social Welfare assistance. To manage these expenses, they have resorted to selling farm produce, but often find that their earnings only suffice to cover transportation costs, leaving them struggling to afford necessary medications.
Compounding these challenges is the village’s unreliable water supply. Frequent water cuts have not only made daily life difficult but also contributed to health issues among residents, particularly affecting families with school-aged children. The absence of a water tank in the village has compounded these difficulties, and despite repeated appeals to relevant ministries, no action has been taken to improve the situation.
Villagers are now urgently appealing to local authorities and government agencies to address these long-standing issues related to road and water infrastructure. They warn that continued neglect poses a significant risk to their lives, health, and livelihoods. The community remains hopeful that increased visibility and pressure on these matters will prompt necessary action for improvement.