Students in Vunikaloa, Macuata, are continuing to miss classes during periods of heavy rain because a deteriorating local road has become unsafe for children to travel, residents say. Matelita Mocevakaca, a community member, told this newspaper the problem has persisted despite repeated appeals to local authorities and the provincial council, leaving parents to keep children at home to avoid potential accidents.
“The issue had been raised at provincial council meetings and with relevant authorities, but little action had been taken,” Mocevakaca said. “Our requests have been falling on deaf ears.” She said frequent absenteeism during wet weather is already beginning to take a toll on students’ learning, with parents forced to weigh safety against their children’s education when storms hit.
Community concern centres on the road’s deteriorating state, which residents say makes travel particularly hazardous in heavy rain. Because of that, Mocevakaca said many parents opt not to send their children to school on wet days, fearing slips, falls or vehicle accidents on the route that serves several households in Vunikaloa. The calls from the village are for urgent repairs and regular maintenance to prevent further disruption and reduce the risk of a serious incident.
Attempts to obtain a response from acting Northern Commissioner Apolosi Lewaqai were unsuccessful when this edition went to print. Residents said they have also tried to engage other “relevant authorities” but have seen no substantive action or timelines for remediation. The lack of clear commitment from responsible agencies has heightened frustration in the community, which says it wants a concrete plan and swift repairs.
The situation in Vunikaloa comes as road safety has been under renewed national scrutiny following several high-profile crashes around the country in recent months. Authorities and safety advocates have repeatedly urged improvements to road infrastructure and enforcement measures after fatal and serious collisions, particularly in rural and regional areas where maintenance can lag. Local leaders in Macuata say the Vunikaloa case underscores how poor road conditions can have wider social impacts beyond accidents, disrupting schooling and daily life.
Residents are urging provincial officials and road maintenance agencies to prioritise the Vunikaloa route before the next rainy season. Mocevakaca said the community will continue to press for action at provincial council meetings and through other channels until repairs and proper maintenance are scheduled and carried out, stressing that the current situation is unsustainable for both safety and education outcomes.
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