The Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Hon. Filimoni Vosarogo yesterday officially commissioned a new culvert crossing in Dakuniba Village, Cakaudrove, marking a significant milestone in improving safe and reliable access for the remote and flood prone community.
Minister Vosarogo said the culvert crossing directly addresses long-standing access challenges faced by Dakuniba Village, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall when flooding at the village entrance has made travel unsafe and, at times, impossible.
“For many years, this community has struggled with unreliable access, affecting schoolchildren, farmers, fishers, families, and visitors,” the Minister said.
“During bad weather, children found it difficult to reach school, produce could not reach markets, and families faced challenges accessing transport and essential services.”
The project, valued at $239,901.63, was jointly funded by the Government and the Fiji Roads Authority. The Government contributed $199,272.20 through the 2024–2025 Small Grant Scheme, while the FRA provided an additional $40,629.43.
The Minister highlighted that the partnership reflects the Government’s strong commitment to investing in rural and maritime communities and ensuring that development reaches every part of Fiji.
“This project is a clear outcome of the Government’s priority to lift development in rural areas and improve the daily lives of ordinary Fijians,” he said.
The new culvert crossing will provide immediate benefits, particularly for students attending Nawi District School, Mabuco Catholic Primary School, and Vatuvonu High School, who will now enjoy safer and more reliable access to education throughout the year.
Improved access will also enable villagers to transport farm produce, fish, and other goods more efficiently to nearby markets, reducing travel time and transport costs while improving income opportunities. In addition, villagers will have better access to health services, public transport, shops, and Government offices in Tukavesi and Savusavu.
The Minister emphasised that infrastructure projects such as this are about more than physical structures.
“Infrastructure like this is about improving livelihoods, reducing poverty, and restoring dignity,” he said.
“When communities have reliable access, they gain independence, young people can pursue education, families can grow their businesses, and communities become more resilient.”
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by rural and maritime communities through continued investment in roads, bridges, crossings, and other critical infrastructure.
“The culvert crossing commissioned today may appear small, but its benefits are significant. It improves safety, enhances access, supports economic activity, and strengthens community wellbeing,” the Minister said. “It represents the Government’s promise to listen to communities and deliver practical solutions that make a real difference.”
The Minister thanked the Fiji Roads Authority, engineers, contractors, and workers involved in the project, as well as the people of Dakuniba for their patience and cooperation during construction.
“This crossing now belongs to the people of Dakuniba. Please take care of it so that it continues to serve your village for many years to come,” he said.