In a heartening display of community solidarity, residents of Voivoi in Legalega, Nadi, recently took it upon themselves to address the issue of deteriorating road conditions by personally repairing potholes, rather than waiting for governmental aid. This grassroots initiative took place last Saturday, with families uniting, armed with shovels and gravel, to enhance the safety and accessibility of their shared road.
The Voivoi road has a rich history, initially built as a cane access route; however, the area has experienced significant residential growth, particularly with an influx of workers from Nadi International Airport. The increasing traffic and development have placed greater demands on the local infrastructure, prompting concerns from residents about unsafe driving conditions due to the potholes.
Among the individuals leading this community effort was Pastor Apenisa Ralulu from the Kingdom International Discipleship Ministry, who expressed the collective commitment to making a tangible difference. He highlighted that when neighbor Sidney Sanday proposed the idea of a community road repair, many were eager to participate, showcasing a remarkable sense of unity among the residents.
“This sacrifice in the hot sun was our way of taking action rather than waiting for the government, which often takes time in addressing such issues,” Pastor Ralulu commented. He noted that continued outreach to government officials had been part of their efforts, but the community felt compelled to act decisively in the meantime.
Social media was also utilized to spread awareness of the road’s poor condition, with residents like Seremaia Bolaitamana noting that the potholes had caused significant damage to vehicles. Bolaitamana echoed the importance of the community initiative in addressing such grievances.
The Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s vice president, Lawrence Kumar, lauded the residents’ initiative as exemplary. “Typically, we witness complaints about the lack of government intervention, yet here we have a community raising their hands and signing up to fix their own roads. This effort deserves recognition and could inspire other communities,” he remarked.
This initiative not only improved the road conditions but also reinforced community ties and exemplified self-reliance in the face of infrastructural challenges. The spirit of collaboration displayed in Voivoi reflects a hopeful outlook for communities across the region. By taking action, these residents show that positive change is attainable through collective effort, inspiring others to engage in similar initiatives.
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