For decades, families in Bilalevu and surrounding areas have carried a quiet burden. Their cemetery, one of the oldest in the district and deeply tied to the history of the Indo-Fijian community, sat across a creek that often turned treacherous during the rainy season.
With no bridge in place, grieving families were forced to wade through rushing water carrying the bodies of their loved ones. In extreme weather, access to the cemetery became impossible.
Families would sometimes have no choice but to travel nearly 20 kilometres to Koromumu Cemetery, outside Sigatoka Town to lay their loved ones to rest.
Mr. Shiu Pratap, Secretary of the Bilalevu Cemetery Committee, recalls one heartbreaking incident that occurred some time back.
“The creek was flooded, and a family had brought their deceased here for burial. Most of the relatives couldn’t cross. It was devastating.”
Mr. Pratap shared that what was once a painful struggle for families is now becoming a story of the past. With the support of the Multi-Ethnic Grant Program under the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, a long-awaited bridge is finally being built – a bridge that will give families safe and reliable access to the cemetery where generations of their loved ones rest.
The project, made possible through the one-third and two-thirds partnership arrangement, reflects the Ministry’s deep commitment to working hand in hand with communities to meet their most heartfelt needs.
“We are truly grateful that our plea was heard,” Mr. Pratap said.
“This bridge means families will no longer have to risk their lives crossing the flooded creek just to say their final goodbyes. It gives our loved ones the dignity they deserve and gives us the peace of mind to be there for them,” he said.
On behalf of the community, Mr. Pratap expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Fiji Government, the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, and Minister Hon. Charan Jeath Singh.
“This is not just a development project—it is a project that keeps us connected with our loved ones during their final moments. It allows us to perform our last rites with dignity.”
For the people of Bilalevu and the surrounding areas, this bridge is a lifeline—an assurance that, rain or shine, families will no longer be separated from their loved ones in their final journey.
The Bilalevu Cemetery is used by more than 500 households from Loma, Qereqere, Bilalevu, Navula, and Tavuto. For these families, the bridge is more than just infrastructure—it is a symbol of dignity and respect, ensuring that loved ones can be farewelled with the presence and support of their entire community.
The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Dr Vinesh Kumar is encouraging communities to take advantage of the grants scheme to support this type of project, which improves and strengthens accessibility to service.