Deteriorating road conditions frustrates residents

Frustration is mounting among residents of Navidamu in Seaqaqa over the deteriorating condition of Navidamu Road, which they describe as unsafe, poorly built and neglected.

Residents say the road surface has worsened over time, making travel difficult, especially for small vehicles.

Local resident Avneel Prasad said the poor condition of the road was obvious to anyone using it.

“The condition of this road is pathetic. Roads in this area only get attention when a minister visits the three villages here. Other than that, we are completely forgotten,” Mr Prasad claimed.

“Small cars cannot even pass through properly, and the condition is getting worse day by day.”

The concerns come after the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) acknowledged that logging activities during wet weather have significantly damaged the road. FRA said most of the deterioration occurs at points where logging trucks frequently turn in and out of forest areas.

FRA confirmed that remedial works began last week, with grading and compaction currently under way and priority given to the most severely affected sections.

However, residents say the work is inadequate and have called on FRA officials to visit Navidamu and assess the situation firsthand.

“People are suffering but cannot speak out. As a concerned person, I am speaking on their behalf,” Mr Prasad said.

“Enough is enough. We deserve safe and proper roads.”

Attempts by this masthead to obtain further comment from the FRA via email were unsuccessful.

Navidamu Road remains a growing concern for the community, with residents calling for urgent repairs and long-term solutions to ensure safety and accessibility.