Since the start of the school year on January 28, twelve students from the Lomaloma Settlement in Labasa have faced significant challenges due to a lack of safe road access and crossing. Each morning, these students embark on a perilous journey along an unpaved path, crossing a stream on a rusted steel beam supported by an old rod that was initially meant for hanging clothes.
These children leave their homes by 6:30 a.m. to make their way to local schools, including Bocalevu Muslim Primary School, Tabucola Valibaar Primary School, Sangam Primary School, and Labasa Muslim College. Iliesa Vosavakadua, a Year Seven student, often leads his siblings, ensuring their safety, especially as they navigate the hazardous conditions that arise after heavy rainfall, which sometimes prevents them from attending school.
Fellow student Jack Bolatoga noted that the crossing was damaged just before the school year began due to severe weather. Jack expressed his family’s financial struggles, stating they cannot afford to relocate to Labasa Town, which would simplify their daily commute. The dangerous crossing not only poses risks for the children but also inconveniences families who must carry heavy items across the precarious route.
Local resident Dalip Chand, 65, has attempted to seek assistance from various authorities, including the Macuata District Office and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), but to no avail. He highlighted that the crossing, which is part of a sugarcane access road, has deteriorated over the years, with the culvert and roadside gradually washed away.
Macuata Advisory Councillor chairperson Jitendra Kumar acknowledged receiving reports about the situation and is working with the relevant authorities to find a solution. Despite expressing the urgency of the matter, an FRA official indicated that the road does not fall under their jurisdiction, as it is managed by the Ministry of Sugar.
Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh clarified that grants for sugarcane access roads are provided based on necessity and production levels, with disbursement occurring just before the crushing season. He also suggested that the community take initiative to repair the road themselves.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by students and families in rural areas, particularly those dependent on agricultural roads. The community’s resilience in the face of adversity is commendable, and it showcases the need for collaborative efforts between authorities and residents to ensure the safety and well-being of children who are the future of the community.
In summary, the Lomaloma students’ daily struggles emphasize the importance of addressing infrastructure challenges to support education and safety in rural communities. As discussions continue among local leaders and residents, there is hope that an effective solution can be reached to restore safe access to education for these children.
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