In the face of disruption, the spirit of community shines brightly. Following a landslide near Semo Village along the Queen’s Highway, traffic was diverted onto a narrow inland bypass, prompting the villagers of Nalele in Nadroga to take swift action. With an unexpected influx of vehicles traveling between Sigatoka and Nadi through their usually quiet road, residents banded together to handle the situation.
Lacking streetlights on the new bypass, volunteers took it upon themselves to ensure the safety of drivers. They utilized cones and reflectors to illuminate the path in the dark, illustrating the community’s commitment to helping others. Their efforts began early each morning at 5 a.m. and extended well into the night, with shifts sometimes lasting until 1 a.m., all performed on a voluntary basis.
Savenaca Bokonaqiwa, a villager involved in the initiative, shared, “We started this initiative the day after the slip. From dawn until after midnight, youths and elders don reflective vests and position cones to coordinate the steady stream of cars and trucks navigating the tight roadway. We are just volunteering so we can help everyone traveling on our road reach home safely to their loved ones.”
The initiative gained extra support from nearby Ciri Settlement, where Indo-Fijian residents contributed their time and effort, fostering camaraderie across communities in a collective act of service. This community-driven response not only highlights the resilience and unity in times of adversity but also emphasizes the power of collaboration in ensuring safety and support for all.
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