Caption: Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka, and Assistant Minister Hon. Jovesa Vocea with community members of Wainivakasoso and Kaleli in Lautoka after the commissioning of their community footpath project.
SUVA – Women from the communities of Wainivakasoso and Kaleli on the outskirts of Lautoka City no longer have to worry about their children’s safety when getting to school.
For decades, children and residents from the two communities would have to trek through a muddy and slippery path daily to get to school and access other basic services.
Their plight was raised to the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka during a visit to their community last year.
Through the Ministry’s Community Access Roads, Footpaths, and Footbridges (CARFF) Programme, the community was able to become successful recipients of an investment of more than $48,000 by the Government. The construction of the footpath project is expected to benefit more than 240 people with improved access to education, markets, basic services and other business opportunities.
Kaleli Settlement resident Ms. Nanise Lagibalavu said women, especially mothers from the two settlements were always worried about their children’s safety due to poor accessibility.
“Before we had the footpath, children used to just trek through the mud to get to school. At times, they would have to walk barefoot until they reached school. Most times they would not attend school and their excuse would always be the poor condition of the path they have to take to get to school. When we have sick patients in the settlement, they would have to be carried on our back so they can access medical services. For pregnant mothers, we would always advise them to move to a house closer to the main road to make it easier for them to get to the hospital,” said Ms Lagibalavu.
Caption: Kaleli Settlement resident Ms. Nanise Lagibalavu at their newly commissioned community footpath project in Lautoka
The construction of the new footpath, she said, would certainly have a long and lasting impact on the residents of the two communities, especially children.
“Now we no longer have to worry about getting to and from our homes because of this improved means of accessibility. We would like to sincerely thank the Government for this much-needed assistance which has not only much relief to us but is very much appreciated and celebrated by our children,” she added.
The construction of this footpath is a significant milestone for Wanivakasoso, as it will not only make it easier for residents to travel to schools and markets, and to attend to other business assignments but also improve the overall quality of life for everyone in the community. By investing in infrastructure like this footpath, we are investing in the future of our community and its residents.
While addressing residents of the two settlements during the commissioning of the project last week, the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka said the collective vision and commitment of the Government and the communities of Wainivakasoso and Kaleli have been instrumental in making this project a reality.
“As we look to the future, I am confident that the Wanivakasoso community footpath will have a lasting impact on the lives of its residents. Not only will it make it easier for children to attend school and for farmers to access markets, but it will also foster a sense of community pride and unity. I urge everyone in Wanivakasoso to take advantage of this new footpath and to continue working together to build a better future for all,” Hon. Ditoka stated.
Caption: Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka cuts a ribbon to mark the commissioning of the Wainivakasoso/Kaleli Community Footpath Project in Lautoka as Assistant Minister Hon. Jovesa Vocea looks on.
