Navatu Island gains safer mainland access with a new road linking the Navatu landing to Kubulau’s transport network
Residents of Navatu Island in Kubulau, Bua, welcomed the official opening of a new access road that directly connects the Navatu landing to the broader transport network. The improvement is set to make travel safer and easier for the island’s 148 residents, reducing the sense of isolation that has long accompanied daily journeys to the mainland.
Previously, villagers had to rely on a boat ride to nearby Namalata, followed by a long walk or a ride on horseback to reach the Kubulau Government Station before continuing on to Savusavu or Labasa. The old route was not only time-consuming and costly but also posed safety risks. The journey could be perilous, with reports of unsafe conditions and incidents involving students and other community members.
Village Headman Viliame Ratumaitavuki spoke about the relief the road brings, noting that it will cut unnecessary fuel and transport costs and open the door to new services, including a potential bus route along the corridor. He recalled a troubling moment when a vehicle carrying students almost tumbled on the old road, underscoring the ongoing dangers faced by families every day.
Rural Development Minister Sakiasi Ditoka reaffirmed the government’s focus on improving road access in rural and remote communities as a top priority. He said the Navatu project had been in the works for a long time and welcomed the allocation that made the road possible. The minister added that the new road will enhance school travel, market access, and overall connectivity for Navatu’s residents, and that the next step will be to hand the road over to the Public Works Department.
Ditoka highlighted the broader impact of the project, noting its importance for the daily commuting needs of schoolchildren who travel to the mainland and for villagers seeking access to goods and services. He emphasized that the government is committed to supporting all Fijians, regardless of background, and that better infrastructure in rural areas helps uplift communities and create opportunities for growth.
Context and broader momentum
The Navatu road is part of a wider thrust to improve rural connectivity across Fiji. Similar initiatives in other islands have brought tangible benefits. For example, on Matuku Island in Lau, a 22.2-kilometre road connected seven villages that had long depended on boats, a project valued at about $317,000 and progressing in three phases to boost access to services and daily life. On Ovalau, the Wailailai Melanesia community celebrated the opening of a concrete access road funded by the Office of the Prime Minister, improving transport for decades-long isolation and signaling ongoing government investment in rural infrastructure.
What this means for Navatu and the region
– Safer, more direct access to the mainland, reducing travel time and exposure to hazards.
– Lower costs for fuel and private transport, with potential new public transport options on the route.
– Improved school commutes and easier market access for residents, helping families and local vendors.
– A clearer path for future public works oversight as the road is handed over to the Public Works Department.
Next steps and outlook
With the road officially opened, authorities expect smoother travel for daily routines, school runs, and market trips. The project serves as a benchmark for how targeted infrastructure can transform small communities by enhancing safety, cost of living, and access to essential services. The Navatu project also reinforces Fiji’s commitment to expanding connectivity across rural and island communities, fostering greater resilience and opportunity for residents.
In summary, the new Navatu access road marks a meaningful upgrade for Navatu Island, turning a previously arduous journey into a safer, more affordable one and embedding the community within a broader network of improved regional connectivity and opportunity. The development offers a hopeful path forward for Navatu and similar rural communities as Fiji continues its infrastructure push.
Leave a comment