The upgraded 130-metre stretch of the Matasama Farm Road is expected to end some challenges the farming community face, especially during rainy weather.

Fulton Hogan Hiways (FHH) is working under the Fiji Roads Authority to implement its maintenance programme by providing road access to the Central, Northern and Eastern divisions.

FHH Korovou Supervisor Ulaiasi Bolalailai, explained that work on the road came about through a service request, which acknowledged calls from members of the community and the surrounding areas, for “much needed attention” to the road condition.

The community of around 30 farming households is situated approximately six kilometres from Nausori Town, along the Kings Highway, near Kasavu.

“We began with an excavator working on cut-outs, removing high shoulders and uneven surfaces as these allow water to damage the road surface.

“After that, gravel was laid on the road and a roller and a grader were used to form the road surface,” he said.

Pastor of the Matasama Assemblies of God Church, Viliame Navaru, expressed his relief at the development that he anticipates will greatly benefit his congregation of about 200 people, who travel from Kasavu and Nausori.

“I know it’s very hard for the members to come here when it was raining, but now that the road has been upgraded, I think it is going to be a new chapter for us and the community,” Pastor Navaru said.

Also a farmer, the Pastor said that transporting goods would now be improved and it would also be easier for the people using the road to make purchases at the large piggery and a dairy farm at the road’s end.

Meanwhile, FRA chief executive officer John Hutchinson has urged members of the public to contact them directly on their toll-free number 5720 or send them an email on info@fijiroads.org to log and follow up on requests and complaints.

Source: Fulton Hogan Hiways

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