Prayers Answered As Bridge Opened

24/02/2020

JOSAIA RALAGO
 
The prayers of many residents living along the Korotari River and nearby areas have finally been answered following the opening of a new bridge.

Residents who used to cross the river on foot or used the suspension before it got damaged, now have a reason to celebrate.

A 44yearold Mareselo Natui of Koromakawa Village said the construction of the bridge was the fruit of their prayers coming to life.

“We have gone through so much in past years because of the lack of a proper crossing. There have been times during floods when we have had to carry sick patients across using bamboo rafts and at times the rafts capsize on our way, then we’d need get them on the bilibili again,” he said.

“Our children would now be able to cross to school and back on a proper bridge without having to cross the river, and this has been some of our main areas of concern. There are instances when they slip because the water reaches up to thigh at some point while crossing.”

Mr Natui said they have been requesting for this bridge for years and were grateful that the Government has invested in building one for them.

Kiran Devi of Korotari shared similar sentiments saying it would now be easier for cane farmers to transport their cane to the mill.

“The communities here are mainly made up of farmers and with this bridge in place, it would help us a lot in getting our produce to the market and the cane to the mill,” Ms Devi said.

“This is a really good initiative and I would like to thank the Government for this.”

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, while opening the bridge, said the $4.5 million Bridge represented a direct investment in the opportunities available to Fijian people.