"Our prayers and sacrifices have finally been answered; this bridge isn’t just for us—it’s for our grandchildren and the generations to come."
These were the sentiments of Ro Ela Kaloumaira of Saliadrau Village, who stated that for decades, the people of Saliadrau Village in Namosi have longed for a safer way to cross the river that separates them from schools, markets, and essential services.
That dream moved one step closer to reality after the groundbreaking ceremony for the new bridge on Saturday (8:02:25).
Ro Ela recalled how villagers had relied on floating tubes, and bilibili to get across, often risking their lives.
“Saliadrau Village is located in Namosi Province, and for years, villagers had no choice but to cross the river daily to reach the main road. During heavy rains, the river floods, completely cutting them off.
“Schoolchildren miss classes, pregnant women and people with disabilities struggle to reach medical care, and farmers cannot access their land or sell their produce at the market.”
"We have lost count of the times we prayed for this. Our forefathers are not here to witness this moment, but we know their silent prayers have finally been answered."
Saliadrau Village Headman Kusitino Vuate described how life came to a standstill whenever the river swelled.
"When the river rises, children can’t go to school, people can’t get to work, and emergency help is out of reach. We are completely cut off."
Last year, in response to the villagers’ plea, the governments of Fiji and Japan stepped in with financial assistance to build a 60-meter-long suspension footbridge.
The project received FJ$248,000 from the Embassy of Japan in Fiji and FJ$370,000 from the Government of Fiji.
"A project like this needs everyone’s commitment—villagers, donors, and the government working together. Today, we see the first phase of construction come to life," Vuate said.
Minister for Rural and Maritime Development Sakiasi Ditoka emphasised that the new bridge is not just an infrastructure project but a lifeline that will:
“Ensure safe daily crossings—no more dangerous makeshift rafts or children missing school—and improve access to healthcare— Pregnant women, the elderly, and those with special needs will have a safe way to reach medical services.
Minister Ditoka also highlighted that this new foot crossing will boost economic activity—farmers can transport produce to markets without delay.
Ambassador of Japan to Fiji His Excellency Mr. Rokuichiro Michii praised the resilience of the Saliadrau community and their determination to improve their livelihoods.
"When we saw how committed the people of Saliadrau were to bettering their education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, we knew we had to help," he said.
"For years, villagers risked their lives crossing this river. Now, with this bridge, their safety and well-being will no longer be compromised. We hope it brings peace of mind to the entire community," Ambassador Michii said.
The bridge is funded through Japan’s Grassroots Grant Assistance Programme (GGP), which has supported 423 projects in Fiji since 1990, with a total investment exceeding USD 32 million. GGP focuses on empowering communities through projects in education, water supply, health, transportation, IT, agriculture, and fisheries.
The Government of Fiji’s contribution of FJ$370,000 demonstrates its ongoing commitment to rural development and improving infrastructure for vulnerable communities.