Residents of Nasivi, in Vatukoula, are happy they can now cross safely over a bridge which connects them to the rest of the mining town.

This follows repair works to the bridge that was damaged recently by floodwaters.

When a Fiji Sun team visited Nasivi immediately after the floods, residents were seen carting their shopping in very trying circumstances. They had to lower themselves into the river by sliding down the rough embankment of sharp rocks and boulders.

Though not far to cross, climbing onto the other embankment was just as challenging.

Students were not spared, too, as they had to follow the same procedure mentioned earlier in order to reach their schools in time for classes to begin.

For some residents, the struggle continued on the other side of the river. They had to walk all the way home with their luggage.

For those with vehicles waiting on the other side of the river, the continuation of the journey home was easier.

Yesterday, residents were applauding the efforts of the authorities which fixed the bridge in a very timely way.

Vehicles began crossing the bridge as usual.

Nasivi resident Mereseini Tagici said she was grateful that the bridge was fixed quickly.

“It was so hard when the bridge was damaged and undergoing repairs,’’ Ms Tagici said.

“Students needed to get to school in Vatukoula and Tavua and some go right to Ba. And those who go to work in the same places were finding it very hard.’’

Edited by George Kulamaiwasa

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