Residents of the Bila community in Martintar, Nadi, are urgently seeking government assistance after suffering extensive damage to their roads and drainage systems due to Tropical Cyclone Urmil. With over 300 members of the community affected, spokesperson Vineel Nand highlighted the deterioration of living conditions following heavy rains that have left newly constructed roads riddled with potholes and erosion.
The road, which was completed just eight months ago, has quickly become a source of frustration for the community, damaging vehicles and hindering access to the main public road. This has posed significant challenges especially for students and working residents who rely on these routes daily.
The situation is further exacerbated by large sections of nearby sugarcane fields being flooded and blocked drains trapping excess water across the settlement. Parents have expressed concern for their children’s safety as they navigate unsafe conditions to reach bus stops, particularly during the rainy season. Commuters find themselves struggling with muddy and uneven surfaces, making travel increasingly hazardous.
To address these pressing issues, residents are calling for immediate intervention, including the clearing of drainage systems, proper rehabilitation of roads, and a full flood mitigation assessment to prevent future occurrences of such damage. Additionally, community members have noted the absence of their advisory councillor since the cyclone, which has added to their sense of neglect.
Nand emphasized that the community is not seeking special treatment but rather fundamental needs such as safe roads, adequate drainage, and basic access. With concerns growing as more rainfall approaches, residents are urging authorities to conduct an on-site assessment soon to alleviate their distressing situation. The community’s plea reflects a broader need for timely government action in the wake of natural disasters, highlighting the importance of infrastructure resilience and support systems for affected populations.
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