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Illustration of Flood prone bridge hinders access

Life or Death: Villagers Struggle for Healthcare Amid Flooded Bridge Crisis

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Residents of Lekutulevu Village in Cakaudrove have faced significant challenges in accessing healthcare, particularly during rainy weather when a local bridge frequently floods. Last year, two women were forced to deliver their babies while en route to the hospital due to the impassable conditions.

Livia Tuimoala, a villager who has been wheelchair-bound for three years, described the ongoing issues with the flood-prone bridge at Dreketilailai, emphasizing the dangers it poses. Without a health center in Lekutulevu, villagers now have to travel to Labasa for medical treatment, which can take hours and create life-threatening situations in emergencies.

Tuimoala expressed her concerns, stating that not only is the bridge a significant hurdle, but poor mobile network coverage adds to their difficulties, making it nearly impossible for residents to call for ambulances or transportation in emergencies. She urged the Government to address this long-standing issue, noting that improving access to healthcare is crucial for the wellbeing of the villagers.

Despite the challenges faced, this situation highlights the resilience and determination of the community in seeking essential services. By bringing attention to these issues, there is hope that improvements can be made, ensuring that residents of Lekutulevu do not have to endure such hardships in the future. The urgency for enhanced infrastructure could lead to positive changes, ultimately benefiting the health and safety of the entire community.

In summary, the recurring flooding of the bridge severely affects the villagers’ ability to access healthcare, especially during critical times, amplifying the need for infrastructure improvements and better communication services.


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