Residents of the Wailailai Melanesia community on Ovalau joyfully gathered last Friday to celebrate the inauguration of a new access road, heralding a major advancement in local transportation. For over forty years, community members endured the arduous task of transporting luggage and groceries from a distant drop-off point because their homes lacked proper road access.
The completion of the new access road is destined to eliminate this long-standing inconvenience, thereby enhancing travel and connectivity for the residents. Wailailai is known for its high elevation and stunning views of the Ovalau waters and is home to descendants of Melanesians from Solomon.
During the commissioning ceremony, Assistant Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Sakiusa Tubuna, announced the investment of $22,000 from the Office of the Prime Minister. He acknowledged that this concrete road would relieve the difficulties faced by Wailailai residents, which had persisted for decades. Mr. Tubuna emphasized that the road now stands as a beacon of hope for the community, representing their resilience and determination. He commended the collective effort of the Wailailai people in bringing the project to fruition.
Furthermore, he urged that their unity and cooperation should serve as a model for other villages and communities to emulate. Mr. Tubuna pointed out that the previous poor condition of the access road had restricted public services from reaching the area for several years, making it necessary for residents to carry heavy loads uphill—a challenge they have silently endured.
He reassured the community that their government remains committed to assisting all Fijians, regardless of gender, race, or creed.
This uplifting development symbolizes a bright future for the Wailailai Melanesia community, fostering hope for improved living standards and ease of access.
This progress underlines the government’s focus on infrastructure development, which can significantly enhance the quality of life for rural communities. The successful completion of this access road may pave the way for further projects that aim to better connect and empower other isolated areas in Fiji, ultimately contributing to the country’s overall development.
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