Residents of Lekutulevu Village in Cakaudrove faced significant challenges last year when two women had to give birth on their way to the hospital due to flooding on a critical bridge. Villager Livia Tuimoala has expressed concern about the ongoing difficulties accessing healthcare in rainy conditions, particularly as they are now forced to travel to Labasa for medical services, given the absence of a local health center.
The bridge in question, located near Dreketilailai, has been a persistent problem for the community, severely impeding residents’ access to essential health services. Ms. Tuimoala, who has been wheelchair-bound for three years, fears for her health and worries that her condition may deteriorate without timely medical attention.
“People are often required to travel long distances for medical check-ups or emergencies, which can take hours. This can lead to life-threatening situations,” she said, urging the government to address this long-standing issue.
Additionally, the villagers are hindered by mobile network connectivity problems, making it difficult to call for ambulances or transportation to medical facilities when needed. Attempts to elicit a response from Northern Commissioner Uraia Rainima regarding these issues have not been successful.
While the challenges posed by the flood-prone bridge highlight significant gaps in healthcare access and infrastructure, there is hope for improvement as awareness grows about this pressing need. Community voices like Ms. Tuimoala’s can serve as a catalyst for change, urging both local officials and the government to prioritize this critical issue and work towards solutions that ensure safer and more reliable access to health services for the residents of Lekutulevu Village.
In summary, the article underscores the urgent need for infrastructural improvements in rural areas, suggesting that community advocacy can play a vital role in driving necessary changes.
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