12/06/2026
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๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ - Villagers of Nausori Highland in the district of Namataku, in the interior of Navosa, can now access essential government and health services in just 30 minutes following the commissioning of the Nasaucoko Community Access Road by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, ๐๐จ๐ง. ๐๐จ๐ฌ๐๐ฌ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐๐ฏ๐ฎ today.
The Nasaucoko Community Access Road project was completed at a total cost of around $300,000 under the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Managementโs ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐๐ฌ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ (๐๐๐) ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐.
The new road serves five villages in the district of Namataku, with a population of more than 830 people across 271 households and is expected to improve the lives of 364 women and 117 children by reducing travel time to healthcare, government services and markets.
The newly completed road significantly improves connectivity between the highland communities of Namataku and the Vatumali Government Station, reducing travel time from approximately three hours via Bukuya in the district of Magodro to just 30 minutes. It will also improve access to markets, government services, and economic opportunities for communities in the interior of Navosa.
Mata ni Tikina Namataku, Mr. Epeli Vamosi described the new road development as a historic achievement for the people of Namataku.
โToday marks a momentous and blessed occasion for the people of Namataku. We are witnessing the completion of a vital piece of infrastructure that generations before us had long advocated for and dreamed of,โ said Mr. Vamosi.
โGrowing up, we often heard stories from our elders about how our forefathers would carry children on their backs or travel by horseback to attend church or vanua gatherings on the other side, as this was the shortest and most direct route available at the time. Those were hard times. We only wish that our forefathers were here with us today to witness this historic achievement.โ
Mr. Vamosi believes the new road would benefit all eight villages in the district by reducing travel time and improving access to services and markets.
โThis is truly a day of celebration for all eight villages in the district of Namataku. Travel time has been significantly reduced, and we no longer have to take the long route to reach Vatumali. Our farmers now have easier access to markets and essential services. It is a proud and joyful moment to see this long-awaited development finally become a reality.
โFor the first time, our medical teams at Vatumali can access communities more quickly and efficiently, especially during emergencies when every minute matters. We have witnessed ambulances using this route to transport patients to Lautoka, significantly reducing travel time and improving access to urgent medical care. What was once a difficult and often lengthy journey has now become much safer and more reliable.โ
โWe thank the Government, particularly the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, for delivering this important development for our district.โ
Hon. Bulitavu said the commissioning of the Nasaucoko Community Access Road demonstrated the Government's commitment to ensuring that no community was left behind.
โFor many years, communities in these highlands have faced significant challenges in accessing services and markets. This investment helps bridge that gap and ensures that development reaches those living furthest from urban centres,โ said Hon. Bulitavu.
โWhen rural communities are connected, farmers can transport their produce more efficiently, families can access healthcare and education more easily, and government services can reach people faster. This investment will have lasting benefits for current and future generations.โ
Hon. Bulitavu added that the project aligned with the Government's broader rural development agenda aimed at strengthening resilience, improving service delivery, and creating sustainable economic opportunities in remote and maritime communities.
Meanwhile, Minister Bulitavu also officially commissioned the Lalati Settlement Farm Access Road in the district of Noikoro, Navosa today, marking another significant milestone in improving rural connectivity and agricultural access for communities in the area.
The project was completed at a cost of more than $140,000 under the Ministryโs ROI Development Programme.
The newly completed access road is expected to greatly benefit farmers and villagers in surrounding communities by providing safer, more reliable, and all-weather access to farms, markets, and essential services. It will also help reduce travel time, improve the transportation of agricultural produce, and strengthen economic opportunities for households within the district of Noikoro.
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