Urgent Call for Safe Crossings: Are Fiji’s Rural Students at Risk?

Parliamentarian Kalaveti Ravu has urgently appealed to the government for immediate action to improve critical infrastructure in rural Ra, specifically highlighting that students from Toki Village face hazardous conditions as they must cross dangerous rivers to attend school due to a lack of proper crossings. During the rainy season, these crossings become treacherous, isolating families and putting children’s safety at risk.

Mr. Ravu expressed his discontent during a parliamentary session, stating, “This is unacceptable — the safety and accessibility of our children must be prioritized.” He urged authorities to expedite the construction of safe crossings, such as an Irish crossing or bridge, to ensure that students can reach school safely.

The urgent need for safe infrastructure solutions is also echoed in the neighboring Nararavou village in Saivou, where residents face similar challenges, plus other routes that require significant improvement for economic activities and access to essential services. Mr. Ravu also raised concerns regarding the ongoing issues in Nakorotubu, where families lack reliable access to electricity and safe transportation.

These infrastructure gaps have severe implications, affecting daily life and hindering economic opportunities for rural communities. Mr. Ravu concluded by emphasizing that basic infrastructure improvements are essential for the well-being and progress of the residents in these remote areas.

The call for action aligns with broader community efforts throughout Fiji, where similar infrastructure challenges have prompted local initiatives to seek improvements. Villagers in areas like Waibasaga and Saliadrau have also noted the desperate need for safer crossings, which impacts school attendance and can lead to tragic consequences, emphasizing a collective urgency for government intervention.

The resilience and determination of community members calling for safer infrastructure reflect a strong spirit of cooperation and advocacy. There is hope that with increased attention to these issues, timely solutions can follow, ultimately enhancing safety and accessibility for all affected populations in these rural regions.