Floods destroy Tabutabu Bridge, isolating Tavua interior communities

Government intervention is being urgently sought after flash flooding destroyed the Tabutabu Bridge in Tavua’s interior, cutting off access to schools, farms and emergency services.

The Tabutabu Irish crossing was washed away on Tuesday, once again isolating farming communities and disrupting daily life.

The bridge, which serves villagers from Nadelei and surrounding settlements, was submerged during the flooding and has now been destroyed, leaving residents without their only access route to schools, markets, farms and essential services.

Villagers say the damage highlights years of neglect and repeated temporary repairs that have failed to withstand heavy rainfall.

Nadelei villager Kelevi Nagone said the bridge was a vital lifeline for the community.

“The majority of our people are farmers, market vendors and students,” Mr Nagone said.

“This is the only way we cross to go to school, work, town and other places. Now it is destroyed.”

He said students were forced to wait on Tuesday morning, unable to cross to school until several men helped them through dangerous conditions.

Farms located near the bridge were also damaged, affecting livelihoods and food security.

Mr Nagone said the danger posed by the crossing was not new.

“Back in 2018, one man allegedly died at this bridge while crossing during heavy rain and flooding,” he said.

“This is not just about inconvenience; it’s about safety and lives.”

Villager Akanisi Senivuci also called for decisive government action, saying communities had repeatedly raised concerns over the bridge.

“Many lives are affected. Government officials used to come by, take photos and speak with villagers, but nothing much has been done,” she said.

“Only minor works, and that’s it.”

Villagers are calling for the construction of a semi-permanent, flood-resilient bridge capable of withstanding increasingly frequent heavy rainfall events.

Residents are urging the Government and relevant authorities to treat the situation as a national concern and prioritise immediate intervention, stressing that safe rural infrastructure is a necessity, not a privilege.