By Josefa Uluilakeba
The investment of $22,000 by the Office of the Prime Minister in the construction of a new concrete access road has alleviated the difficulties faced by the residents of Wailalai on Ovalau, which have persisted for the past four decades.
The newly commissioned access road is now a symbol of hope for the Wailailai Melanesia community, showcasing their resilience and perseverance.
Officiating at the commissioning recently, the Assistant Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Sakiusa Tubuna, praised the community and congratulated the Wailailai people.
“Your oneness as a community on completing this project is a model that our villages and communities must endeavour to replicate,” Asst. Minister Tubuna said.
“The condition of your access road has prevented public service providers from reaching the roundabout for several years. As a result, you’ve had to carry your groceries and other cargo uphill, which has been the situation for many years.”
“You have been crying for far too long, enduring suffering in silence, but today, it will be a thing of the past.”
“This is your government and it will exhaust all its efforts to assist all Fijians regardless of gender, race or creed,” Asst. Minister Tubuna assured.
Wailailai, with its high elevation and a commanding view of the Ovalau waters, is home to descendants of Melanesia of Solomon heritage.
Speaking on behalf of the community members, Nevote Ravutai said the Coalition Government’s plans for Melanesians around Fiji are overwhelming.
“Now we have a government that recognises our plight. With the consultation for the formalisation of Melanesian settlements initiated and now the construction of a concrete access road for us here in Wailailai, it is an omen of good times ahead for us the descendants of Melanesia.”
“I express our heartfelt gratitude to the Coalition Government and the Office of the Prime Minister for this wonderful development and our duty is own it maintain and make sure it will serve this settlement for many years to come.”