The project, which cost about $3 million, is part of the Fijian Government’s plan for improving the standard of living and opportunities particularly for Fijians living in rural areas.

“Improving access to the main road networks for rural communities helps tie them more effectively into our national economy and our national life. It is just one way of ending the isolation and disadvantage that many rural communities feel,” Prime Minister Bainimarama said while delivering his official address in the itaukei language at the event.

“This bypass is built to withstand the worst storms that we believe Mother Nature can inflict on us and there are several similar projects underway throughout Fiji. Under the Fiji Roads Authority’s Rural Roads Programme, some nine access roads and by-passes have been completed recently or are under-way.

“This project has been financed entirely by Government. It is money well spent because this access road will repay that cost many times over in the economic advantages, health advantages and transportation advantages it brings to Namata.”

The villagers of Namata earlier discussed the need for the project and directly sought the assistance of the Prime Minister in 2017.

“We listened and we investigated, and we made our plans, and now it is a reality. That is the way democratic Government is supposed to work. We listen to the people and try to provide what they need to make sure their communities thrive. We can’t deliver everything for all communities at once, but we make sure we hear every voice and understand the needs of every community,” Prime Minister Bainimarama added.

“I believe that Government always does well when it gets its inspiration from the people, because the people are wise and I am happy that you spoke up and told us what you needed. I have found that when I visit villages like Namata, the people don’t ask for charity, they ask for opportunity. They don’t ask for handouts, they ask to be a part of the national life. They don’t ask to be treated better than other Fijians, they ask to be treated equally.

“They ask for reasonable access to the services that Government is duty-bound to provide them by, services that are guaranteed in the Constitution. I know that once you have that, you will produce more, you will live better, your children will grow stronger, and Fiji will be a better place tomorrow than it is today.”

Village elder Jolame Vakalolovou, while speaking on behalf of the villagers, sincerely thanked the Government for its tremendous assistance.

He added that the villagers now have access to better roads which will no doubt, boost socio-economic activities in the area.