Residents and villagers of Fiu and surrounding communities near Auki, Malaita have undertaken temporary repair works on the flood-damaged Gwaigeo feeder road after prolonged delays from responsible authorities.
The road was severely damaged when a nearby river (Fiu River) overflowed following heavy rainfall, cutting off transport services to several communities in the Gwaigeo area.
The damage has significantly affected access to key facilities, including the APSD Training Centre, Gwaigeo School, the former Taiwanese Technical Mission (TTM) farm, and the wider Fiu community.
In response, villagers mobilised volunteers on Tuesday, contributing labour and locally sourced materials to temporarily restore damaged sections of the road to allow limited access for vehicles and pedestrians.
Local resident Levite Maesimae said the situation has posed serious challenges for villagers, particularly farmers who depend on the road to transport their produce to Auki market.
“Most of our people supply fresh vegetables to the Auki market.
Since the road was damaged, farmers have been forced to carry their produce on foot from their gardens to the main road just to find transport,” he said.
Community members also expressed appreciation to the Member of the Provincial Assembly for Central Kwara’ae Ward 2, Hon. Benjamine Baetalu, for his timely support towards the repair efforts, describing his assistance as vital in helping restore access and ease the hardship faced by villagers.
The communities are now calling on the relevant authorities to consider a permanent solution to the problem to prevent similar disruptions in the future, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
