Prime Minister Bainimarama Opens $6.2M Road, 3 Tailevu Villages Benefit
The overjoyed villagers could not contain their emotions as they danced and sang songs to welcome Mr Bainimarama.
Sunday 02 February 2020 | 14:40
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama surrounded by children and elders of the three villages along the Kiuva Kaba Road. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama opened the Kiuva Kaba Peninsula road yesterday enabling three villages in Tailevu to connect to the rest of the nation via road.
The eight-kilometre thoroughfare cost $6.2 million, but it is a much-needed investment to ensure Kaleli, Vatani and Dromuna villagers no longer have to spend $180 for hiring boats to come to Nausori.
The overjoyed villagers could not contain their emotions as they danced and sang songs to welcome Mr Bainimarama.
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Even to the extent, that during the traditional welcome ceremony, villagers told the Prime Minister that there was no measure to the extent of happiness they were feeling on the day.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama cuts the ribbon to officially open the $6.2 million Kiuva Kaba Peninsula Road on February 1, 2020. Photo: Ronald Kumar
For years now, the people of these villages had to travel by boat to access services and facilities others living on Viti Levu have enjoyed for a long time.
“Local farmers will be able to get their produce to the Nausori Market more quickly, leaving more precious time for them to spend with their families,” Mr Bainimarama said.
“And the resort at Toberua can now receive their guests and supplies more effectively, making this a more attractive tourism destination in a way that is sure to benefit your local communities.
“Travelling to school will be much faster for students travelling to not only Kaba District Primary School in Dromuna Village but also to the schools along the existing road to Kiuva, Buretu and Nakelo.”
Mr Bainimarama said access to health facilities for the 500 people in the villages had become easier. He said the road would allow participation in progress and economic prosperity.
He said the road would also allow for inter-island trade.
“But this is just the beginning – we are planning to further facilitate the mobility of your Fijian made goods and produce in the future, with a provision of new cyclone resilient jetty to be constructed within the vicinity,” Mr Bainimarama said.
“Government can build new bridges and pave new roads, ultimately, the most important path forward is the one you create yourself.”
Mr Bainimarama reminded those present that the opening of the road was the beginning of something great and they should not let it go to waste.
Edited by Percy Kean
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