Heavy rainfall and flooding have once again left Buavou Village cut off from vital services, prompting local residents to demand immediate intervention. The sole bridge connecting the village to Seaqaqa has been submerged, exacerbating an ongoing issue that has plagued the community during rainy seasons.
Resident Adi Maopa Taleimaibau expressed frustration regarding the recurring nature of the flooding, stating that it poses risks to the safety and accessibility of the village. “When it rains, the bridge is completely underwater, and our village is cut off from the outside world,” she shared, adding that children often struggle to reach school, with some resorting to crossing floodwaters in large pots.
Despite years of appeals to local authorities for a resolution, Ms. Taleimaibau insists that the problem remains unaddressed. She poignantly remarked, “Enough is enough. Our people deserve safety. This is not a one-time problem. It happens every year. How long must our people suffer? Must a life be lost before action is taken?”
The villagers are advocating for the urgent construction of a new, flood-proof bridge to secure reliable access to education, healthcare, and other essential services. “Our children deserve safe access to school. The sick and elderly deserve safe access to healthcare. Our village deserves to be connected, not abandoned,” she emphasized.
The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) has acknowledged the widespread impact of the ongoing wet weather on road conditions throughout the Northern Division and the nation. They reported that rural roads, low-level crossings, and flood-prone areas have been severely affected, causing certain crossings to become impassable due to floodwaters and washouts.
Attempts to secure a comment from Infrastructure Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau were unsuccessful at the time of publication. The situation remains critically urgent, as residents await necessary action to ensure their safety and connectivity for years to come.
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