Staff from the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services, and Transport have been urged to enhance the quality of their work on the roads leading to the primary water catchment at Nasealevu in Macuata. This admonition comes from Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau, who expressed his discontent over continued problems even after a recent upgrade to the roads.

During a meeting in Bua, Minister Tuisawau revealed he had received reports about inadequate work performed on the road and drainage systems. “Issues such as drainage and gravelling persist, and the local villagers who use the road are not satisfied,” he noted. Tuisawau announced plans to convene with engineers from the Fiji Roads Authority to identify swift solutions.

The minister emphasized the importance of completing work thoroughly to ensure long-lasting results that benefit end users, stating, “When you do something, do it properly and completely, not leaving it halfway.” The urgency of addressing these concerns has been amplified by the upcoming return of students to school next week, with Tuisawau assuring that improvements would be finalized by this time.

Nasealevu Village, which serves as the main water catchment for Labasa Town, is crucial as it provides water to over 28,000 residents, including local schools and the Labasa Hospital. Village headman Kasiano Vusonilawe remarked on the community’s long-standing pleas for infrastructure improvements, stating, “For almost 50 years, villagers have been urging the Government to build a proper road.”

Vusonilawe mentioned previous discussions about the drainage situation and warned of possible drastic measures, including shutting down the water catchment if repairs aren’t made promptly. This highlights the crucial intersection of infrastructure quality and essential services.

The community’s frustration is echoed in other regions, such as Tamavua and Namadi, where residents are vocalizing their discontent with ongoing water supply issues. However, proactive steps are being taken by local authorities, including ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at securing reliable water services for local residents. Such initiatives give hope for improvements that can elevate the standard of living for communities reliant on these essential services.

This situation underscores the importance of government accountability and resource allocation in addressing the fundamental needs of the population. The commitment to resolving these issues can foster a renewed sense of optimism for communities across Fiji, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all residents.