With one hand holding his ailing child and the other holding a rope for balance, Nitya Nand crossed the damaged bridge that connected his settlement to the main road.

The nurse from Soisoi, Tabia in Labasa, needed to take his 10-month-old Nyla to the hospital on Monday.

The only way to get there was across the wooden bridge which took a hit during Tropical Cyclone Ana.

For almost 40 years, some 200 people from Soisoi Settlement have been commuting, by foot and vehicle through this bridge until Sunday when flood waters washed away its platform.

Mr Nand’s father, Nand Kishore, said: “My son and his wife are both nurses of Labasa Hospital.

“They had to take their daughter to the hospital because she was vomiting.

“I hope the bridge can be repaired quickly.

“People are risking their lives and safety by crossing over its foundation to get to work or do their shopping in town.”

Soisoi is 18km from Labasa Town, equivalent to about a 20-minute drive.

Tabia Advisory Counsellor Brijesh Chand said the top flooring of the bridge was washed away.

“The bridge is about 20 meters and some villagers tied a rope at both ends to help people walk across,” Mr Chand said.

“’I have given my full report to the Fiji Roads Authority office in Labasa and they assured me that they would do something about it.”

He was told yesterday that materials had arrived and repair works would begin soon.

FRA Labasa office has confirmed that it was looking into situation.

For further queries, members of the public are advised to call FRA on 5720.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback: shratikan@fijisun.com.fj