For 71 students of Coloi-Naivakacere Primary School in Tailevu, walking in muddy and slippery roads has been the norm. This has been the case since the school’s establishment in 2001.
As of Friday they will no longer have to worry about walking to school on such conditions now that an access road has been constructed by Government.
The 300-metre concrete access from the village to the school was funded by the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development under its Community Access Road, Footpaths and Footbridges Programme.
It was done in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme.
The new and safer footpath comes with railings and solar nights for nighttime commuters. Parents at the village were grateful for because safety has been guaranteed.
In the past, students would miss school because of heavy rain which washed away the road.
School head teacher, Pauliasi Taura, said it was a sad sight to see students walking up the muddy road.
“In the past some of our students got hurt as a result,” he said.
“The road was okay during fine weather and we do not worry about anything, but when it rains, that’s another story.
“Now everyone can walk to school like a queen and king.”
Acting Minister for Rural and maritime Development, Jone Usamate, said the project was part and parcel of the Government’s work of achieving the global mantra of leaving no one behind.
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