Leauva’a-uta needs better access roads. 

The call for new roads comes from 58-year-old Solaati Nepa. 

Solaati has had it with the poor quality roads in his village. He told the Village Voice they have put up with this for three years already and enough is enough. 

“The last time these roads were fixed was before the election. Now it has deteriorated and we’ve not had any help to fix this situation,” he said. 

“I think this is something that our Village Council is trying to prioritize. 

“They are trying to find a way to fix it because we walk on these roads and as you can see; a lot of vehicles come through this road. 

“Even the people from Safata; they mostly drive through this road.

“These sorts of things should be prioritized by the government because this is for the good of our own people.”

According to Solaati; the roads have been destroyed and damaged by the heavy rainfall and bad weather and there’s nothing they can do but ask for help.

“There are too many big holes that can actually damage vehicles passing. 

“This is a safety issue, yet it is not being prioritized.” 

According to Solaati, the construction company that fixed the roads should have put water drainages in place to reduce road damage from heavy rainfall and flooding. 

Another issue raised by the father of six is the high cost of living and its effect on farming families who cannot afford the increased prices. 

“Everything is expensive and most of the time; we get financial support from our overseas families.

“I love farming but because of many farmers selling the same thing we’re selling, we always end up lowering our prices just to attract customers, so we can earn a little bit of money.

“It’s already expensive as it is to take care of the plantation, such as different chemicals and fertilizers “said Solaati. 

He said there were times when desperation for money led them to lower their prices, just so they could make money.