Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday said the Government would be stepping in to build a bridge for the people of Nalau Settlement near Nawaka Village in Nadi.

“This is an important infrastructure for this people and we will work with some contractors to assist those living here,” Mr Bainimarama said.

The Prime Minister was on a tour of the Western Division inspecting the effects of the flooding in the aftermath of Cyclone Zena last week.

The people and students in the settlement have to cross a river to get to school or get to town, occasionally carrying two sets of clothing in case the river swelled during heavy rain.

Resident 42-year-old Lote Qalo voiced the plea for the children of the 10 families residing in the settlement who had to cross the river to reach schools.

“We request the Government to assist our 10 families who lives on this side,” Mr Qalo said.

“We have students attending Andrews Primary School, Nawaka District and secondary schools in town.”

He said there was a road leading to their settlement but it was through Dratabu Village which was out of the way for the community.

He said there were a lot of problems faced when flooding occurred during heavy downpour.

“At times during heavy rain we would wear one set of clothes, cross the river then change again to go into town,” Mr Qalo said.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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