This is a special road – the Nabouwalu-Dreketi Highway. The $228 million project, opened by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama on Monday, stands as  evidence of the FijiFirst Government’s commitment to infrarstructure development. This is more than just a roading project, it is an investment  for the future.

Many livelihoods depend on it. Before the highway was built, development in the region was hamstrung by the poor conditions of the road. They acted as a disincentive for investment. Now, the modern highway is expected to stimulate economic development.

The Bua people have waited for 46 years since Independence to have a quality road that will provide easier access to the outside world and savings.

Vehicles would no longer have to endure treacherous conditions and travelling nightmare.

They used to get a severe pounding from the rough road which constantly caused mechanical challenges for owners. In wet weather vehicles struggle to cope with the conditions.

Now people can travel with comfort and ease and in a much shorter time. In the case of medical emergencies, there should be no worries. Patients can be transported quickly by road to hospital.

Farmers, who previously were frustrated with the road conditions, now will have no more excuses.

Some landowners will find that the value of their land will increase which means they can lease it out at a premium rate. For those who own freehold there could be a financial spin-off also. Investors will be attracted to the region because of the easy access.

The benefits from the 70km of a modern road are many. It will open up new opportunities for the region. Often we hear that the North has been neglected and lag far behind in national development. This is no longer the case.

The busy schedule of the PM in this Northen tour underscores the fact that the Government is fully committed to developing the North. This was where Mr Bainimarama faced the stiffest challenge in the 2014 General Election. As he continues his North tour he is going into some enemy territory.

But as he rightly said,  new projects he was opening in the North were for all Fijians, including those who did not vote for him.

By virtue of being democratically elected as  the Prime Minister, he represents all the people of Fiji, not just FijiFirst supporters.

In a busy five-day tour, he has so far commissioned the Vuya Grid station, opened the Nabouwalu-Dreketi Highway, commissioned the Naividamu Water Purification Project, handed out Small and Micro Enterprise grants and held talanoa sessions.

More SME grants were given out yesterday, including more talanoa sessions, opening of new school developments and another water purification plant.

In the remaining days, he will be busy with engagements that will take him to the grassroot people, the very people that motivate him to do what he is doing now. Many of the projects he is opening touch the lives of the ordinary people. For those who have followed him on similar tours know that he is at home when he is with the people.

His rapport with the ordinary people make him a popular leader. From Nabouwalu, Dreketi, to Labasa, then to Savusavu and Taveuni, he delivers a consistent message that his Government is for the people.

To those who will benefit from the grants and new development projects, it is hoped that they will honour and respect them by putting them into profitable use.

NEMANI DELAIBATIKI

Feedback: nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj